(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person may not import, purchase, sell, barter, distribute, propagate, transport, introduce, or possess an invasive species except:
(a) when transporting a specimen to any of the departments or another destination as directed by any of the departments in a sealed container for the purpose of containing, identifying, or reporting the presence of the species or for an approved educational purpose;
(b) when done by a government agency for an approved purpose;
(c) with a proper permit issued by the state or federal government; or
(d) as allowed by rule.
(2) A person who learns of the presence of an invasive species on that person's vessel or property shall notify the department with primary jurisdiction of the species immediately. If the person complies with department requirements for the treatment, control, and eradication of the invasive species, the person must be considered to be in compliance with this section and is not subject to penalties under 80-7-1014. This subsection does not apply to a person who purposely or knowingly introduces or attempts to introduce an invasive species in Montana.