Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026

Funding for New Technologies: The bill establishes a grant program to fund the research, development, and verification of environmentally sound and cost-effective ways to control and eradicate invasive species (Section 1105(a)).

Support for Local Organizations: Grants under the new program are intended to support Federal, State, Tribal, regional, or local officials and nongovernmental organizations (Section 1105(b)(1)).

Rapid Response Capabilities: The bill defines "rapid response activities" as actions taken to eradicate invasive species, protect noninvasive species and their habitats, and mitigate economic harms (Section 2(a)(20)).

Protection of Ecosystems and Economy: Rapid response actions are designed to maintain ecosystem functions and avoid or reduce significant economic consequences (Section 2(a)(20)).

Improved Monitoring: The creation of an interbasin and intrabasin monitoring program will track species moving through specific waterways like the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Mississippi River (Section 2(k)(1)(2)(A)).

Streamlined Boating Access: The bill directs the development of an interagency certification system for watercraft decontaminations to minimize disruption to public access for boating and recreation (Section 2(k)(2)(B)).

Increased Penalties for Boaters: The bill includes a requirement to recommend a penalty structure for people who do not comply with watercraft inspections and decontaminations (Section 2(k)(2)(C)).

Potential Disruptions to Recreation: While the bill aims to minimize disruption, it still requires the development of plans for inspections and decontaminations at boat launches and access points (Section 2(k)(2)(A)).