(a) A person may not import, possess, transport, or release in the state live venomous reptiles, live venomous reptile eggs, live venomous insects, or live venomous insect eggs, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued under (b) of this section. This prohibition does not apply to bees as defined in AS 03.47.040. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be cited as set out in AS 16.05.165.
(b) A permit required under (a) of this section may be granted only if, in the determination of the commissioner, the applicant demonstrates a valid educational purpose for seeking the permit. A valid educational purpose includes display in educational institutions and in zoos.