1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; modifying restrictions on commercial fishing areas 
1.3 	to provide for invasive species control;amending Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 
1.4 	97C.815, subdivision 2.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 97C.815, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subd. 2.Assignment. (a) The commissioner shall assign licensed inland commercial 
1.8 	fishing operators to commercial fishing areas and each operator shall be is obligated to fish 
1.9 	in the area that the commissioner has assigned to them. The commissioner's assignment 
1.10 	shall be is valid as long as the assigned operator continues to purchase a license, continues 
1.11 	to provide an adequate removal effort in a good and professional manner, and is not convicted 
1.12 	of two or more violations of laws or rules governing inland commercial fishing operations 
1.13 	during any one license period. In the operator assignment, the commissioner shall consider 
1.14 	the proximity of the operator to the area, the type and quantity of fish gear and equipment 
1.15 	possessed, knowledge of the affected waters, and general ability to perform the work well.
1.16 	(b) Area assignments must not restrict permits and contracts that the commissioner issues 
1.17 	to governmental subdivisions and their subcontractors for invasive species control.