S.F. No. 4361 - Aquatic Invasive Species Surveillance System

• State agencies, local governments, entities, and persons receiving state funding to prevent or control aquatic invasive species must use the University of Minnesota's surveillance and early detection system to decide how to allocate funds.

• Recipients cannot spend funds before conducting the required analysis, cannot limit analysis to specific bodies of water, and must spend money consistent with the analysis results.

• Exceptions apply to appropriations designated for specific named bodies of water and grants for aquatic invasive species research.

• $200,000 is appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2021 to the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center to develop and implement the statewide surveillance and early detection system.

• The Commissioner of Natural Resources must submit a report by March 1, 2021 describing system use, eco-epidemiological models, funding recommendations, and statutory changes needed for full implementation.