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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Boat sticker bill goes to governor

The Idaho Senate has voted 34-1 in favor of legislation to require all boats launched in Idaho, motorized or not, to carry a $5, $10 or $20 sticker to help fund the fight against invasive quagga and zebra mussels. The bill, HB 213, earlier passed the House; today's Senate vote sends it to the governor's desk. Under the measure, owners of boats registered in Idaho would pay $10, those whose boats are registered elsewhere would pay $20, and non-motorized boats, which aren't registered, would be charged $5 each. The only exception is for inflatables less than 10 feet long. Rep. Eric Anderson, R-Priest Lake, has pushed for the legislation; he's also backing legislation to allow the state to spend up to $5 million through emergency deficiency warrants next year if needed in the fight against the mussels. The tiny, fast-spreading shellfish have clogged and destroyed pipes, pumps and entire beaches and ecosystems; they haven't turned up in Idaho yet, but have been spotted just miles to the south in Utah.



Eye On Boise

News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.