{"data":{"id":"us-mt/80-7-1014","jurisdiction":"us-mt","citation":"80-7-1014","heading":"Penalty.","body":"(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the following penalties apply:\n(a) The offense of negligently violating the provisions of 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 or rules adopted under 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 pertaining to an invasive species management area or the statewide invasive species management area is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $700 for the first offense and $1,400 for subsequent offenses.\n(b) The offense of purposely or knowingly violating the provisions of 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 or rules adopted under 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 pertaining to an invasive species management area or the statewide invasive species management area is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,950. In addition, the person shall forfeit the following as issued by this state:\n(i) any current fishing license and the privilege to fish in this state for a period of time set by the court; and\n(ii) any current sticker or decal required under this part to operate a vessel on the waters of this state.\n(c) Purposely or knowingly attempting to introduce an invasive species in Montana is a felony. Any person found guilty under this subsection (1)(c) is subject to a criminal penalty of up to 2 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $25,000, or both. A person convicted of violating this subsection (1)(c) may also be required to surrender an involved vessel and pay restitution for any cost incurred to mitigate the effect of the violation.\n(d) A civil penalty not to exceed $2,500 may be imposed on any person who violates any other provision of 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 or rules adopted under 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 not enumerated in subsections (1)(a) through (1)(c).\n(2) A warning without penalty may be issued to any person violating the provisions of 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 or rules adopted under 80-7-1010 through 80-7-1012 and 80-7-1015 if it is determined that a warning best serves the public interest.\n(3) No penalty may be issued to any person violating the provisions of 80-7-1011 if clear and adequate signage is not posted a reasonable distance from the check station.\n(4) Civil penalties collected under this section must be deposited in the general fund.","path":["TITLE 80. AGRICULTURE","CHAPTER 7. DISEASE, PEST, AND WEED CONTROL","Part 10. Aquatic Invasive Species"],"source_url":"https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0800/chapter_0070/part_0100/section_0140/0800-0070-0100-0140.html","current_through":"Montana Code Annotated 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T05:00:41Z","sha256":"b8f8a961dbe6ef06172aca12c0e575791d0712bc4c3f9aabff5ad12dd7b40bf4","source_id":"us-mt","stale":false,"prev":"us-mt/80-7-1013","next":"us-mt/80-7-1015"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}