OH HB396

Prohibits possession, introduction, sale, or offer of sale of specified restricted and prohibited species including certain fish, mollusks, insects, and other aquatic organisms.

Establishes two categories of restricted species (quagga and zebra mussels) and prohibited species including invasive fish like bighead carp, grass carp, round goby, and snakehead fish; invasive insects like Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer; and various snail species.

Authorizes the chief of the division of wildlife to designate additional nonnative species as restricted or prohibited through rulemaking, with emergency orders effective for up to 90 days if species threatens human health or natural/agricultural resources.

Creates civil penalties of $1,000-$10,000 for restricted species violations and $2,000-$20,000 for prohibited species violations; establishes criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanor fines of $1,000-$10,000 to felony convictions with fines up to $1 million and imprisonment up to five years depending on species and intent.

Directs fines and penalties to the wildlife fund for use by the division of wildlife.