Invasive aquatic species: mussels.

Existing law generally prohibits a person from possessing, importing, shipping, or transporting in the state, or from placing, planting, or causing to be placed or planted in any water within the state, dreissenid mussels, and authorizes the Director of Fish and Game or his or her designee to engage in various enforcement activities. Existing law provides that a person who violates or resists, delays, obstructs, or interferes with the implementation of these provisions is subject to a penalty, in an amount not to exceed $1,000, that is imposed administratively by the department. Existing law exempts certain entities from enforcement activities, or from civil or criminal liability, under prescribed circumstances. These provisions are repealed on January 1, 2012. This bill would extend that repeal provision from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2017. Under existing law, a violation of these provisions is a crime. By extending the operation of these provisions, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.