1. (a) The council has the following duties:

   1. (1) Recommend:

      1. (A) priorities for projects;
      2. (B) funding; and

      3. (C) rules and laws;

         concerning invasive species to the appropriate governmental agencies and legislative committees.

   2. (2) Recommend a lead state agency to:

      1. (A) develop an invasive species inventory for each invasive species taxon; and
      2. (B) develop and maintain a data management system for invasive species in Indiana.

   3. (3) Communicate with other states, federal agencies, and state and regional organizations to enhance consistency and effectiveness in:

      1. (A) preventing the spread of;
      2. (B) early detection of;
      3. (C) response to; and

      4. (D) management of;

         invasive species.

   4. (4) Coordinate invasive species education and outreach programs.
   5. (5) Convene or support an invasive species meeting at least once per biennium to provide information on best practices and pertinent research findings.

   6. (6) Assist governmental agencies in:

      1. (A) reviewing current invasive species policies and procedures; and
      2. (B) addressing any deficiencies or inconsistencies concerning invasive species policies and procedures.
   7. (7) Assist state agencies in reviewing the agencies' performance measures for accountability concerning the agencies' invasive species actions.
   8. (8) Receive reports from any governmental agency regarding actions taken on recommendations of the council.
   9. (9) Apply for grants.
   10. (10) Provide grants for education concerning or management of invasive species.
2. (b) The council does not have any regulatory authority over invasive species or the authority to hear appeals of grievances.
3. (c) The council may create advisory committees to provide information and recommendations to the council.

4. (d) Beginning July 1, 2011, the council shall issue a report to the interim study committee on agriculture and natural resources established by IC 2-5-1.3-4 in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 in every odd-numbered year. The report must include a summary of:

   1. (1) the council's activities;
   2. (2) the performance of the council's duties; and

   3. (3) efforts in the state to identify and manage invasive species.

      The report may include recommendations of the council.

As added by P.L.23-2009, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.53-2014, SEC.133.