State wildlife officials examine over 100,000 boats annually at roadside inspection stations, searching for signs of hitchhiking critters that could harm local lakes, rivers and streams.  

Of special concern are zebra and quagga mussels. Both species have been known to reproduce uncontrollably in American waters, causing millions of dollars of infrastructural damage and devastating local ecosystems. In 2024, officials intercepted 42 boats infected with mussels, but Rep. Tom Millett, R-Marion, says more needs to be done to stop the spread of invasive species in Montana. 

“We have not had such problems that a statewide emergency has been declared, but that does not mean we can sit on our laurels,” said Millett at a House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee hearing Tuesday night.  

Millett and Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, are sponsoring House Bill 242, which would double the maximum fines for boaters that bypass inspection stations. Boaters charged with negligently transporting invasive species could face fines up to $1,000 for first offenses and $1,500 for subsequent offenses. Those charged with knowingly transporting invasive species could be charged up to $1,950.  

If passed, it would mark the first time the fines have been raised since their introduction in 2009. 

The bill has attracted the support of several environmental organizations, including the Whitefish Lake Institute, which helps monitor for invasive species in lakes throughout the Flathead Valley. Program coordinator Durae Belcer said many lakeshore residents know about invasive species and even contribute to monitoring efforts through the organization’s citizen science program, but she thinks higher fines could help visitors understand the risks that invasive species pose. 

“Water and water quality is essential so anything that threatens that resource should be taken seriously,” said Belcer. “A fine that is a little bit larger might make them more aware of how important it is.” 

The fine increases would likely only impact a handful of boaters each year. Chief enforcement officer for Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks Ron Howell said that, in 2024, the department issued 47 citations and 91 written warnings to boaters that bypassed inspection stations. Under the proposed law, game wardens would still have the discretion to issue verbal and written warnings to boaters that may have mistakenly or unknowingly broken the law. 

House Bill 262 faced little opposition at its initial hearing. A committee vote has not yet been scheduled. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at [email protected].

This article has been updated to correct the spelling of two surnames.