NC H1051

Defines "invasive species" in North Carolina law to include coyotes, European starlings, feral swine, grass carp, lionfish, nutria, and other non-native species determined by the Wildlife Resources Commission to threaten ecosystems, agriculture, or native species.

Requires the Wildlife Resources Commission to establish open hunting and trapping seasons for invasive species in all 100 counties, designed to maximize hunting and trapping opportunities.

Establishes the Invasive Species Management Fund as a special revenue fund to support control and eradication activities, public education (limited to $500,000 annually), and a Rapid Response Team (limited to $1,500,000 annually).

Allows the Wildlife Resources Commission to declare an invasive species emergency and request additional funding from the Contingency and Emergency Fund for investigation, containment, and eradication efforts.

Appropriates $5,000,000 in recurring General Fund money for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Invasive Species Management Fund and becomes effective July 1, 2024.