Committee hears bill limiting DNR-required training for aquatic invasive-species inspectors; DNR urges caution

Sen. Hauschild introduced Senate File 42-29 to restrict the frequency of state-required training for aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors, arguing many local townships and volunteers perform inspections and must avoid excessive training costs.

Kelly Pennington, invasive-species unit supervisor at the Department of Natural Resources, told the committee that the DNR operates one of the largest watercraft inspection programs in the country and trains hundreds of inspectors annually. "Having regular contact with them through training is really key to ensuring that the inspectors understand the state's laws, inspection procedures, and invasive species of concern," Pennington said, and warned that limiting training frequency could undermine consistent, safe inspections.

Committee members raised questions about whether the bill would apply to state employees and volunteers alike, and about the ability to respond to new invasive species, updated procedures or new equipment if retraining is restricted. The committee laid the bill over to allow further discussion with the DNR on workable training cadences and implementation.