Subd. 1. General prohibition.

A person may not bring live minnows into the state except as provided in this section.

Subd. 2. Permit for transportation.

A person may transport minnows through the state with a permit from the commissioner. The permit must state the name and address of the person, the number and species of minnows, the point of entry into the state, the destination, and the route through the state. The permit is not valid for more than 12 hours after it is issued.

Subd. 3. Use in home aquariums allowed.

A person may bring live minnows into the state for home aquariums.

Subd. 4. Private fish hatchery or aquatic farm.

A person with a private fish hatchery or aquatic farm license may transport minnows from contiguous states to the private fish hatchery or aquatic farm, provided the minnows are used for processing or feeding hatchery fish. The commissioner may require inspection of minnows transported from outside the state.

Subd. 5. Special permits.

1. (a) The commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to allow a person with a private fish hatchery license to import minnows from other states for export. A permit under this subdivision is not required for importation authorized under subdivision 4.
2. (b) An applicant for a permit under this subdivision shall submit to the commissioner sufficient information to identify potential threats to native plant and animal species and an evaluation of the feasibility of the proposal. The permit may include reasonable restrictions on importation, transportation, possession, containment, and disposal of minnows to ensure that native species are protected. The permit may have a term of up to two years and may be modified, suspended, or revoked by the commissioner for cause, including violation of a condition of the permit.