1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to invasive species; modifying enforcement of the emerald ash borer 
1.3 	quarantine for certified persons; creating a voluntary certification program;
1.4 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18G.06, by adding a subdivision; 
1.5 	proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18G.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18G.06, is amended by adding a 
1.8 	subdivision to read:
1.9 		Subd. 7.Emerald ash borer. (a) Once the United States Department of Agriculture 
1.10 	authorizes alternative quarantine enforcement as provided under this subdivision, the 
1.11 	commissioner must perform unannounced inspections of persons certified under section 
1.12 	18G.065. If the only regulated article in the certified person's possession is nonash 
1.13 	firewood, the commissioner must not subject the certified person to the standard terms of 
1.14 	the state or federal quarantine including, but not limited to, wood treatment requirements 
1.15 	and material movement restrictions.
1.16 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "regulated article" has the meaning given in the 
1.17 	commissioner's emerald ash borer quarantine order effective February 22, 2012.

1.18 	Sec. 2. [18G.065] EMERALD ASH BORER CERTIFICATION.
1.19 	A person may apply to the commissioner for emerald ash borer certification. A 
1.20 	person applying for certification must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $10. The 
1.21 	commissioner must train applicants to identify tree and wood species and evidence of 
1.22 	emerald ash borer infestation. After completing the certification requirements, which 
1.23 	must include an examination as determined by the commissioner, the commissioner must 
2.1 	certify the applicant. The certification expires March 1 of the third calendar year after the 
2.2 	initial year of certification.