NC S834

Establishes a definition of invasive species in North Carolina law, including coyotes, European starlings, feral swine, grass carp, lionfish, nutria, and other non-native species deemed threatening by the Wildlife Resources Commission in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Requires the Wildlife Resources Commission to issue rules establishing open hunting and trapping seasons for invasive species classified as game animals or game birds across all 100 counties of North Carolina, designed to maximize opportunities for hunters and trappers.

Creates an Invasive Species Management 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) composed of representatives from the Wildlife Resources Commission, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Division of Marine Fisheries.

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

Appropriates $5,000,000 in recurring General Fund dollars for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Wildlife Resources Commission for the Invasive Species Management Fund, effective July 1, 2024.