1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to game and fish; authorizing emergency importation of minnows to ensure 
1.3 	adequate bait supply;amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.515, by 
1.4 	adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.515, is amended by adding a subdivision 
1.7 	to read:
1.8 		Subd. 6.Emergency importation to ensure adequate bait supply. (a) Notwithstanding 
1.9 	subdivisions 1 to 5, section 97C.211 or 97C.341, or any other provision of law, a minnow 
1.10 	dealer, minnow retailer, or holder of a private fish hatchery license may import live minnows 
1.11 	from other states for use in this state without a permit when the minnow dealer, minnow 
1.12 	retailer, or holder of a private fish hatchery is unable to procure an adequate supply of bait 
1.13 	from sources in this state. For purposes of this subdivision, a person is unable to procure 
1.14 	an adequate supply of bait from sources in this state if the person has an inadequate supply 
1.15 	to meet demand for at least one day.
1.16 	(b) A minnow dealer, minnow retailer, or holder of a private fish hatchery license must 
1.17 	notify the commissioner within 48 hours of importing minnows under this subdivision in 
1.18 	the manner prescribed by the commissioner.
1.19 	(c) The commissioner may not require a permit to import minnows under this subdivision 
1.20 	but may inspect any minnows imported under this subdivision and related documents to 
1.21 	determine the quantity, source, species, and health of the imported minnows.
1.22 	(d) Section 97C.341 does not apply to minnows imported under this subdivision.