Tracking the Capitols is a source of legislation currently being tracked by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation state policy team to keep you informed of the most pertinent and timely state legislation affecting hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping and other conservation issues. Inclusion in Tracking the Capitols does not necessarily constitute support or opposition to legislation by CSF and/or the CSF States Program. The bills noted in this email represent only a fraction of the legislation that CSF's States Program is monitoring on a day-to-day basis.

Please visit our website for day-to-day updates by CSF's State Program Team on important sportsmen's legislation. To view past bills, please visit the Tracking the Capitols Archive under the Media Room tab on the CSF website.

 

Note: Bill sponsors who are members of the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses are noted in bold.

Updates for the week of 

February 1, 2016
NORTHEASTERN STATES


Introduced: 06/16/2015
Sponsor: Representative Debra Heffernan
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to manage the eel fishery by regulation in order to adopt limits and sizes that are consistent with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Eel ("Plan").
Status: Eligible for Governor's desk on January 27
 
Introduced: 02/27/2015
Sponsor: Senator Paul Davis, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Endangered Species Act
Summary: This resolve requires the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to convene a working group of representatives of related industries to develop recommended statutory amendments or agency rules to implement the statute governing the incidental take permitting process governing the taking of an endangered or threatened species while engaged in a lawful activity.
Status: Work session held on February 2 

Introduced: 01/29/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Anthony O'Donnell, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Requires a person convicted of poaching deer on privately owned land to pay the State restitution in accordance with specified requirements; authorizes a person convicted of poaching deer on privately owned land to pay a specified amount of restitution instead of performing community service under specified circumstances; requires specified restitution collected to be credited to the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund; requires the Department of Natural Resources to adopt specified regulations.
Status: In House Committee on Environment and Transportation on February 17

Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Glen Glass
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting 
Summary: Authorizes a person to hunt deer on private property in Harford County with a bow and arrow or crossbow during open season on specified Sundays during October, November, and January, subject to specified provisions of law.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Transportation on February 1

Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Glen Glass
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting 
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to allow a person to hunt deer on a Sunday during the deer bow hunting season on private property, subject to specified provisions of law; makes specified conforming changes.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Transportation on February 1

Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Glen Glass
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting 
Summary: Authorizes a person to hunt deer on private property with a bow and arrow or crossbow during open season on a Sunday in the second half of January, as designated by the Department of Natural Resources, subject to specified provisions of law.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Transportation on February 1

Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Senator Robert Cassilly 
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Relates to state designations; relates to state duck.
Status: To Senate Committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs on January 13 

Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Senator Johnny Salling   
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Requires a person convicted of poaching deer on privately owned land to pay the State restitution in accordance with specified requirements; authorizes a person convicted of poaching deer on privately owned land to pay a specified amount of restitution instead of performing community service under specified circumstances; requires specified restitution collected to be credited to the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund; requires the Department of Natural Resources to adopt specified regulations.
Status: In Senate Committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs on February 9   

Introduced: 01/29/2016
Sponsor: Senator Stephen Waugh, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Summary: Specifies that a permit to carry a handgun issued to an individual in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., or West Virginia is valid in Maryland.
Status: To Senate Committee on Judicial Proceeding on January 29

Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Senator Dan Feltes    
Issue Brief: Deer Management  
Summary: Prohibits the feeding of wild deer at certain times and locations determined by the fish and game department and requires the labeling of wild animal feed; the bill requires the fish and game department to distribute informational materials; 16-2945 10/01.
Status: Hearing scheduled for February 10  

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Assemblyman Parker Space, Member, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus     
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Increases membership of Fish and Game Council; clarifies it has sole authority to regulate freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27 

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Assemblyman Parker Space, Member, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus     
Issue Brief: No-net-loss
Summary: Provides for no net loss of Department of Environmental Protection lands for fishing, hunting, and trapping purposes.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Assemblyman Sean Kean, Member, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus     
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Requires Department of Environmental Protection to establish artificial reef plan for commercial and recreational fishing.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Assemblyman Sean Kean, Member, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus     
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Establishes restrictions and requirements for use of fishing gear and conch, fishing, and lobster pots on artificial reefs.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27   
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Assemblyman Tim Eustace     
Issue Brief: Animal Traps
Summary: Prohibits use of snares in trapping of wildlife.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27   
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Assemblyman Scott Rumana, Member, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus     
Issue Brief: Hunting Dogs
Summary: Authorizes use of tracking dog to search for and recover wild deer during prescribed hunting season.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 27
 
Introduced: 03/24/2015
Sponsor: Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal
Issue Brief: Dog Tethering
Summary: Relates to outdoor restraints of companion animals; prohibits tethering for more than 3 hours or a time approved by in writing by animal control but not to exceed 12 hours in any 24 hour period; prohibits tethering when a weather advisory or warning is in effect; tethered dogs must be free of cruel conditions or inhumane tethering.
Status: Amended in Assembly Committee on Agriculture on February 2

Introduced: 04/27/2015
Sponsor: Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner 
Issue Brief: Game Meat Donations 
Summary: Amends the Tax Law; relates to establishing the venison donation tax credit.
Status: Amended in Assembly Committee on Ways and Means on February 2

Introduced: 01/15/2015
Sponsor: Senator Carl Marcellino
Issue Brief: Conservation Tax Incentive
Summary: Amends the Tax Law; makes technical corrections to the conservation easement tax credit.
Status: Amended in Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations on January 14
 
Introduced: 02/03/2015
Sponsor: Senator Tony Avella
Issue Brief: Knife Definitions 
Summary: Amends the Penal Law; includes machetes within the definition of a deadly weapon.
Status: To Senate Committee on Codes on January 6 
 
Introduced: 02/26/2015
Sponsor: Senator James Seward, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Animal Traps
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; exempts traps set in water from the requirement that they be visited once every 24 hours; such traps shall be visited once every 48 hours or a Shorter interval as determined by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on January 6
 
Introduced: 03/02/2015
Sponsor: Senator Patrick Gallivan, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Game Meat Donations
Summary: Amends the Tax Law; relates to establishing the venison donation tax credit.
Status: Amended in Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations on January 12
 
Introduced: 03/05/2015
Sponsor: Senator Thomas O'Mara, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding 
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; relates to the cost of various hunting, fishing and trapping licenses.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on January 6 
 
Introduced: 03/17/2015
Sponsor: Senator John Bonacic, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Appreciation in School   
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; requires the commissioner of environmental conservation to promote education in hunting, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education courses.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on January 6 
 
Introduced: 04/01/2015
Sponsor: Senator Kenneth Lavelle
Issue Brief: Deer Management   
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; extends the time period for the taking of deer in the county of Suffolk from December on a certain date and March on a certain date.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on January 6 
 
Introduced: 04/15/2015
Sponsor: Senator Rich Funke, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding   
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; provides hunter safety instructors with a free hunting license in consideration for such services for the next license year beginning after the date the course was completed.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on January 6 
 
Introduced: 10/21/2015
Sponsor: Senator Brad Hoylman
Issue Brief: Anti; Trophy Importation
Summary: Prohibits the possession and transport of priority species animals and body parts at airports and port facilities of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; includes the endangered African elephant, Loxodonta africana; African leopard, Panthera pardus; African lion, Panthera leo; black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis; and white rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum.
Status: To Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions on January 6  
 
Introduced: 11/09/2015
Sponsor: Representative Mike Vereb
Issue Brief: Ivory   
Summary: Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the State Consolidated Statutes; amends, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses; prohibits the import, sale, purchase, barter or possession of ivory or rhinoceros horn.
Status: Re-referred to House Committee on Judiciary on January 27
 
Introduced: 11/30/2015
Sponsor: Representative Barry Joswiak
Issue Brief: Hunting Dogs
Summary: Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking; provides for dogs pursuing, injuring or killing big game.
Status: In House. Laid on table on January 27
 
Introduced: 01/28/2016
Sponsor: Representative Charlene Lima  
Issue Brief: Guns
Summary: Would require timely review of any application for a permit to carry a concealed weapon and would allow judicial review of adverse administrative decisions regarding such applications. It would also codify applications to the attorney general. This act would take effect upon passage.
Status: To House Committee on Judiciary on January 28
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, Co-Chair, Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Relates to allowing the sale of wildlife products; authorizes the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to adopt regulations that allow a licensed hunter or trapper to manufacture and sell products made from wildlife that he has legally harvested, except when the manufacturing or sale of such products is detrimental to public health or sound wildlife management.
Status: Committee substitute printed on February 3  
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Steve Landes
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Relates to warrantless arrest; relates to conservation police officers and conservation officers; allows a conservation police officer of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and a conservation officer of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to make warrantless arrests for misdemeanors not committed in the officer's presence involving hunting, trapping, inland fish, and boating laws when such arrest is based on probable cause upon personal investigation.
Status: In House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake & Natural Resources on February 3
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter, Co-Chair, Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Modern Sporting Rifle
Summary: Relates to transfer of assault weapon; relates to proof of citizenship; makes consistent the type of identification and other documentation that a purchaser of a firearm must present when purchasing any type of firearm from a licensed dealer by removing the additional requirement for the purchase of an assault weapon that a person who purchases such a weapon must present proof of citizenship; relates to provisions prohibiting the sale of assault firearms to noncitizens.
Status: Passed House. To Senate on February 3
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Kaye Kory  
Issue Brief: Invasive Species
Summary: Relates to zebra mussels; relates to education program; requires the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to establish a program of education in methods of preventing zebra mussels or other nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species from infesting Virginia waters; provides that the bill requires the program to include cleaning and draining guidelines, designated dry times, a standard boat inspection form, and public outreach.
Status: To House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake & Natural Resources on February 3
 
Introduced: 01/14/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Michael Webert, Member, Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: Concealed Carry Reciprocity  
Summary: Relates to recognition of out-of-state concealed handgun permits; provides that a holder of a concealed handgun permit issued by any state who is at least 21 years of age is authorized to carry a concealed handgun in Virginia; requires the Attorney General to enter into agreements for reciprocal recognition with other States that require an agreement to be in place before the state will recognize a Virginia concealed handgun permit as valid in the state; current law recognizes concealed handgun permits is.
Status: To House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety on February 2  
 
Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Matt Fariss  
Issue Brief: Enforcement; Hunting Dogs
Summary: Relates to trespass by hunters using dogs; punishes as a Class 3 misdemeanor the intentional release by a person of hunting dogs on the lands of another to hunt without the consent of the landowner; punishes a second or subsequent offense committed within three years as a Class 1 misdemeanor and provides for the revocation of the person's hunting license for a period of one year upon conviction.
Status: To House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources on February 3
 
Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, Co-Chair, Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: NICS
Summary: Relates to firearms shows; relates to voluntary background checks; relates to penalties; requires the Department of State Police to be available to perform background checks for non-dealer sales at gun shows if requested by a party involved in a transaction; the promoter of the firearms shall furnish the Department of State Police sufficient facilities to perform the background checks.
Status: To House Committee on Miltia, Police and Public Safety on February 2
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Ryan McDougle       
Issue Brief: State Management Authority
Summary: Relates to the hunting of coyotes; relates to county or city ordinances; adds the hunting of coyotes to the list of firearm-hunting topics about which a county or city is authorized to adopt ordinances; provides that current law allows the governing body of a county or city to adopt ordinances prohibiting hunting with certain types of shotguns, permitting groundhog hunting under certain conditions, permitting hunting with muzzleloaders, and specifying permissible ammunition types.
Status: Passed Senate. To House on February 3
 
Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kesha Ram       
Issue Brief: Forest Management 
Summary: Relates to miscellaneous timber harvesting, forestry, and state lands issues.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on January 29    
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Representative George Till
Issue Brief: NICS 
Summary: Relates to possession and transfer of firearms.
Status: To House Committee on Judiciary on January 28
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Representative Patrick Brennan, Co-Chair, Vermont Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Firearm Suppressors
Summary: Relates to the use of gun suppressors for hunting.
Status: To House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources on January 28 


SOUTHEASTERN STATES


Introduced: 02/02/2016
Sponsor: Representative Alan Boothe  
Issue Brief: Deer Management; General
Summary: Relates to hunting; allows the taking of whitetail deer or feral swine by means of bait.
Status: From House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry: Reported favorably on February 3  

Introduced: 02/02/2016
Sponsor: Senator Tom Whatley  
Issue Brief: Deer Management; General
Summary: Relates to hunting; allows the taking of whitetail deer or feral swine by means of bait.
Status: From Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry: Reported favorably on February 3  

Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative David Santiago, Member, Florida Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Angling Access; General License
Summary: Relates to identification cards and driver licenses; provides for persons status as lifetime freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, hunting, or sportsman licensee, or boater safety identification cardholder, to be indicated on his or her identification card or driver license upon payment of additional fee and presentation of persons lifetime freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, hunting, or sportsman's license or boater safety identification card; provides waiver of replacement fee in certain circumstances.
Status: In House. Placed on Calendar on January 28

Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Katie Edwards  
Issue Brief: Angling Access
Summary: Relates to dredge and fill activities; revises acreage of wetlands and surface waters subject to impact by dredge and fill activities under state programmatic general permits; provides that seeking to use such permits consents to specified federal wetland jurisdiction criteria.
Status: To House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee on February 2    

Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Matt Caldwell, Member, Florida Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Angling Access; Enforcement
Summary: Relates to recreational boating zones; prohibits overnight anchoring or mooring of vessels in specified recreational boating zones.
Status: To House Committee on State Affairs on February 1   

Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Matt Hutson
Issue Brief: General License
Summary: Relates to identification cards and driver licenses; provides for a person's status as a lifetime freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, hunting, or sportsman licensee, or boater safety identification cardholder, to be indicated on his or her identification card or driver license upon payment of an additional fee and presentation of the person's lifetime freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, hunting, or sportsman's license, or boater safety identification card.
Status: In House. Passed House on February 3
 
Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Senator Miguel Diaz  
Issue Brief: Angling Access   
Summary: Relates to dredge and fill activities; revises the acreage of wetlands and other surface Waters subject to impact by dredge and fill activities under a state programmatic general permit; provides that seeking to use such a permit consents to specified federal wetland jurisdiction criteria.
Status: To Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on general Government on January 28
 
Introduced: 01/28/2016
Sponsor: Representative Chad Nimmer, Member, Georgia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: Conservation Funding; General License; Hunter Education  
Summary: Relates to game and fish, so as to revise definitions, license fees, and license requirements; relates to numbering of vessels, requirements, and fees, so as to revise boat registration fees and allow additional methods for reporting the sale of boats; provides for related matters; provides for an effective date and applicability; repeals conflicting laws.
Status: In House: Read 2nd time on February 2
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Senator Bob Dearing, Member, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Seniors; Veterans   
Summary: Allows mentally handicapped persons to hunt during any special youth season established by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; exempts those persons from obtaining a license.
Status: To Senate Committee on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks on February 1
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Senator Ronnie Cromer  
Issue Brief: Enforcement    
Summary: Relates to protection of non-game fish; provides that it is unlawful for a recreational fisherman to take more than twenty-five American eel a day; provides that each American eel taken must be at least nine inches long.
Status: From Senate Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry: Reported favorably on January 3
 
Introduced: 01/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jay Reedy, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: General License 
Summary: Relates to Game and Fish Laws; authorizes the wildlife resources director to issue permanent lifetime sportsman licenses to residents with a 100 percent permanent and total service-connected disability or a less than 100 percent service-connected disability for which the person is compensated at 100 percent due to unemployability.
Status: In House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources: Assigned to Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on January 27
Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jay Reedy, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Invasive Species  
Summary: Relates to Game and Fish Laws; creates a nine-member task force to make recommendations for statutory changes to protect the state's wildlife and waterways against any detrimental effects of invasive Asian carp.
Status: In House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources: General Subcommittee recommends passage on February 2   
 
Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jerry Sexton, Member, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to game and fish laws; requires the Department of Agriculture to issue live wild-appearing swine transport permits; codifies methods by which landowners and their designees may take or trap wild-appearing swine; authorizes landowners to sell live wild-appearing swine.
Status: In House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources: Assigned to Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on January 27
 
Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Representative Sherry Jones
Issue Brief: Access Private Lands; Hunting Dogs
Summary: Relates to Game and Fish Laws; makes the present law prohibition against hunting on public lands within 100 yards of a dwelling without the owner's consent applicable to private lands as well.
Status: In House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources: Assigned to Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on January 27
 
Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Representative John Mark Windle  
Issue Brief: Access Private Lands; Hunting Dogs
Summary: Relates to Morgan County; authorizes private property owners to eradicate wild hogs year-round in the county by any means necessary; prohibits the eradication of wild hogs using dogs during seasons designated for deer hunting.
Status: In House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources: Assigned to Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on January 27
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jay Reedy, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Recognizes Urge Congress to enact legislation for the purpose of enhancing hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and other outdoor recreational opportunities.
Status: To House Committee on Delayed Bills on January 27 
 
Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Senator Thelma Harper
Issue Brief: Access Private Lands; Anti; Hunting Dogs
Summary: Relates to Game and Fish Laws; makes the present law prohibition against hunting on public lands within 100 yards of a dwelling without the owner's consent applicable to private lands as well.
Status: To Senate Committee on Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 25
 
Introduced: 01/25/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Bill Hamilton, Member, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to the taking and registration of wildlife including electronic registration of beaver, otter and big game animals.
Status: To House Committee on Judiciary on February 3
 
Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: Senator Robert Karnes, Member, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: Crossbows
Summary: Relates to crossbow hunting; prohibits use of crossbow with Class A hunting and trapping license; permit crossbow hunting with Class RB and Class RRB licenses; permit crossbow hunting with Class UU license; permit crossbow hunting with Class BG stamp.
Status: To House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 20
 

MIDWESTERN STATES


Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Senator Dick Dearden, Co-Chair, Iowa Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to turtle harvesting in the state; includes effective date provisions.
Status: To Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment: Subcommittee assignments: Dearden, Brase, Rozenboom on January 27 

Introduced: 01/28/2016
Sponsor: Representative John Cavaletto, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; changes the name of the fee from Public Hunting Grounds for Pheasants to Public Hunting Grounds for Game Birds; provides that the Department of Natural Resources may permit hunters to take bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, and gray partridge on public hunting grounds; authorizes the Department to set the hunting season for game birds by administrative rule.
Status: To House Committee on Rules on January 28

Introduced: 05/13/2015
Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
Issue Brief: Anti
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; prohibits the sale of bobcat pelts of bobcats taken; penalty for a violation of this provision is a Petty offense, as provided in the general penalty section of the Code.
Status: To Senate Committee on Commerce on February 3 

Introduced: 01/28/2016
Sponsor: Senator Dave Luechtefeld, Co-Chair, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code; adds catfish to the list of aquatic life that may be taken by pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and arrow or bow and arrow device, including a sling shot bow, spear, or gig; provides that specified fish shall not be sold or bartered unless authorized by the Department of Natural Resources; provides that the daily take, harvest limits, or additional species are subject to and set forth in administrative rule.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture on February 3

Introduced: 01/05/2016
Sponsor: Senator David Long
Issue Brief: Right to Hunt and Fish
Summary: Prescribes the ballot language for the proposed constitutional amendment concerning the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife.
Status: Passed Senate. To house on February 1

Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Representative Travis Couture-Lovelad, Member, Kansas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Right to Hunt and Fish
Summary: Amends the bill of rights of the constitution of the state of Kansas by adding a new section thereto, relating to the public right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife.
Status: From House Committee on Federal and State Affairs: Recommended as amended on February 3  

Introduced: 01/29/2016
Sponsor: Representative Rick Hansen, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to game and fish; prohibits use of unmanned aircraft systems to take, harm, or harass wild animals.
Status: To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on January 29
 
Introduced: 01/29/2016
Sponsor: Representative Rick Hansen, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Conservation Funding 
Summary: Relates to capital investment; appropriates money for RIM/Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and other conservation purposes; authorizes the sale and issuance of state bonds.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance on January 29

Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Representative Linda Black, Co-Chair, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Enforcement  
Summary: Imposes civil penalties for poaching certain animals.
Status: To House Committee on Agriculture Policy on January 28

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Representative Robert Ross
Issue Brief: Angling Access 
Summary: Changes the laws regarding water rights.
Status: Introduced on January 28

Introduced: 02/02/2016
Sponsor: Representative Joe Don McGaugh, Member, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Right to Hunt and Fish  
Summary: Proposes a constitutional amendment to assert the right of Missourians to hunt and fish.
Status: Introduced on January 28

Introduced: 01/20/2015
Sponsor: Senator Ernie Chambers
Issue Brief: General   
Summary: Provides for Mountain Lion Protection Plates and create a fund.
Status: Placed on Select File as amended on February 1 

Introduced: 01/14/2016
Sponsor: Senator Ernie Chambers
Issue Brief: Anti  
Summary: Eliminates provisions relating to hunting mountain Lions.
Status: Notice of hearing for February 25  

Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Representative Dustin Roberts
Issue Brief: Enforcement 
Summary: Relates to game and fish; relates to consent of landowner to hunt or fish; prohibits law enforcement from entering private property under certain circumstances; provides an effective date.
Status: Introduced on February 1 
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Senator Kyle Loveless 
Issue Brief: Enforcement 
Summary: Relates to private property; relates to permission to hunt, take, fish or engage in recreational activity upon land of another; modifies allowances for game wardens; provides an effective date.
Status: Introduced on February 1   
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Senator Nathan Dahm   
Issue Brief: Enforcement 
Summary: Relates to game wardens; relates to the permission to hunt, take, fish or engage in recreational activity upon land of another; prohibits certain actions by game wardens; provides an effective date.
Status: Introduced on February 1   

Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Senator Joe Brecheen, Member, Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to feral swine; relates to control of nuisance wildlife and hunting restrictions; makes it lawful to control certain nuisance wildlife; provides an exception.
Status: Introduced on February 1   

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Representative Lee Qualm, Member, South Dakota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General License
Summary: Revises the number of special nonresident waterfowl licenses that may be issued for certain open units.
Status: Failed to pass House on February 3    

Introduced: 01/25/2016
Sponsor: Senator Corey Brown 
Issue Brief: Fish Tournament
Summary: Limits certain liability for hosts of fishing tournaments.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on January 25     

Introduced: 04/22/2015
Sponsor: Representative Diane Hasselbein, Member, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: Seniors; Veterans  
Summary: Relates to an exemption for disabled veterans and recipients of the Purple Heart medal from the cumulative preference system for issuing wild turkey hunting licenses and tags.
Status: Public Hearing held on February 2  

Introduced: 01/08/2016
Sponsor: Senator Tom Tiffany, Member, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to the date on which the annual open season for hunting and trapping wolves begins.
Status: Public Hearing held on February 2  

Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Senator Tom Tiffany, Member, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus    
Issue Brief: Anti
Summary: Relates to shining wild animals.
Status: Public Hearing held on February 2  


WESTERN STATES 


Introduced: 04/01/2015
Sponsor: Representative Mark Neuman, Secretary, National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses Executive Council
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Urges the United States Congress to enact legislation to clarify and recognize each individual state's authority to manage the fish and wildlife within its borders.
Status: From House Committee on Rules: Placed on calendar on January 29  

Introduced: 01/29/2016
Sponsor: Senate Rules Committee
Issue Brief: Enforcement 
Summary: Relates to sport fishing, hunting, or trapping licenses, tags, or permits; relates to penalties for certain sport fishing, hunting, and trapping license violations; relates to restrictions on the issuance of sport fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses; creates violations and amending fines and restitution for certain fish and game offenses; relates to commercial fishing violations.
Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Resources Committee; additionally referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on January 29   

Arizona S 1243
Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Senator Gail Griffin, Member, Arizona Legislators for Wildlife
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to Mexican wolf; relates to Game and Fish (G&F) approval; relates to reporting.
Status: From Senate Committee on Natural Resources: Do pass on February 1 

Introduced: 02/18/2015
Sponsor: Assembly Member James Gallagher, Member, California Outdoor Sporting Caucus
Issue Brief: General; Lead Ban
Summary: Exempts the northern and north central regions from the requirement that nonlead ammunition be used for the taking of all wildlife. Requires the Director of Fish and Wildlife to making findings regarding commercial availability of each type of nonlead projectile and nonlead ammunition and to publish these findings on the Fish and Game Commission's Web site. Requires the Commission to exempt those types of lead projectiles and lead ammunition from provisions and regulations adopted by the Commission.
Status: Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution on February 1
 
Introduced: 02/13/2015
Sponsor: Senator Lois Wolk
Issue Brief: Budget Bills
Summary: Appropriates funds from the General Fund to the Department of Fish and Wildlife to make payments to counties for unpaid amounts when income is derived directly from real property acquired and operated by the state as a wildlife management area.
Status: In Senate. Returned to Secretary of State pursuant to Joint Rule 56 on February 1
 
Introduced: 02/27/2015
Sponsor: Senator Tom Berryhill, Member, California Outdoor Sporting Caucus
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Relates to waste discharge requirements, waivers and managed wetlands. Requires each regional board to prescribe waste discharge requirements that implement relevant water quality control plans. Provides for waivers. Amends monitoring of wetlands unless results of downstream monitoring demonstrate a violation of water quality discharge standards.
Status: In Senate. Returned to Secretary of State pursuant to Joint Rule 56 on February 1
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jon Becker, Member, Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Conservation Tax Incentive   
Summary: Concerns a perpetual conservation easement in gross granted for property in Colorado for which a tax credit claim has been rejected.
Status: To House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs on February 1 

Introduced: 01/29/2016
Sponsor: Senator Vicki Marble
Issue Brief: Full Capacity Magazines  
Summary: Concerns the repeal of certain provisions concerning ammunition magazines.
Status: To Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs on January 29

Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Senator Mike Johnston  
Issue Brief: General License   
Summary: Concerns the species of animals that are excluded from the landowner preference program for hunting licenses.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture, natural Resources & Energy on February 1  

Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Representative Cindy Evans 
Issue Brief: Apprentice Hunting License    
Summary: Establishes a state apprentice hunting license to authorize persons without a hunting license to hunt under direct supervision of a licensed hunter.
Status: In House Committee on Water and Land: Voted do pass with amendment (7-0) on February 1
 
Introduced: 01/26/2016
Sponsor: Representative James Tokioka  
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution to require the state to manage game animals, subject to guidelines established by the legislature, for the public's sustained use and enjoyment of game animals as a protected state resource.
Status: To House Committee on Water and Land; subsequent referrals to House Judiciary Committee and House Finance Committee on February 1
 
Introduced: 01/26/2016
Sponsor: Representative Cindy Evans   
Issue Brief: Range Protection
Summary: Appropriates funds for public outreach, planning, and an environmental impact statement for a Hawaii island public shooting facility.
Status: To House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protections; additionally referred to House Committee on Water and Land on February 1 
 
Introduced: 01/26/2016
Sponsor: Representative Ronald Kouchi    
Issue Brief: Access Private Lands  
Summary: (Governor) Requires hunters to obtain written permission from landowners or occupiers or holders of private lands to hunt on private lands; effective July 1, 2016.
Status: In Senate Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture: Voted do pass on February 1
 
Introduced: 01/26/2016
Sponsor: Representative Michelle Kidani     
Issue Brief: Angling Access  
Summary: Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with the collaboration of the Department of Agriculture, to identify, purchase, and rehabilitate freshwater reservoirs in central Maui suitable for fishing and agriculture; authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund the purposes of this Act.
Status: In Committee: Public Hearing Scheduled on February 1

Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: House Appropriations Committee
Issue Brief: Budget Bills   
Summary: Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2016.
Status: Passed Senate (33-0). To Governor on February 1
 
Introduced: 01/28/2016
Sponsor: Senate Resources and Environment Committee
Issue Brief: Enforcement    
Summary: Amends existing law to increase certain penalties for the illegal killing, possession or waste of certain game animals.
Status: To Senate Committee on Resources and Environment on January 29

Introduced: 02/02/2016
Sponsor: Senate Resources and Environment Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends existing law to require the annual issuance of certain Governor's Wildlife Partnership Tags.
Status: To Senate Committee on Resources and Environment on February 3 

Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Representative Bealquin Bill Gomez       
Issue Brief: Budget Bills  
Summary: Relates to game and fish; clarifies that the purpose of the big game depredation damage fund includes compensation of landowners for the financial damages caused by big game.
Status: To House Committee on Appropriations and Finance on January 29
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Representative Candy Ezzell, Co-Chair, New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Promotes the continued use of prescribed fire in a safe and controlled manner to enhance natural landscapes and to support New Mexico agriculture.
Status: Passed House on February 2
 
Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kelly Fajardo, Member, New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Appreciation in School
Summary: Affirms the importance of environmental education; requests the declaration of an environmental education week and requesting that the Department of Game and Fish lead a study for a grant program to increase environmental education opportunities for students.
Status: To Senate Committee on Conservation on February 2 
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: General   
Summary: Ratifies decision of State Fish and Wildlife Commission to remove Canis lupus from state list of endangered species; prohibits commission from including Canis lupus on lists of threatened species or endangered species unless certain criteria met; declares emergency, effective on passage.
Status: Hearing scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee for 8:00 am on February 4
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Increases damages for unlawful taking or killing of wildlife; punishes certain violations of wildlife laws with mandatory revocation of licenses, permits and tags; requires civil forfeiture of certain devices upon third conviction within 10-year period for violation of provision of wildlife laws or rule adopted pursuant to wildlife laws; expands provisions relating to parts unlawful to be removed from wildlife.
Status: Hearing scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee for 8:00 am on February 4
 
Introduced: 01/11/2016
Sponsor: Senator Bruce Dammeier
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Concerns the transfer of firearms at nonprofit fund-raising activities; provides exemption from background check requirement for temporary transfer of a firearm for the purpose of conducting nonprofit fundraising activities. 
Status: Senate Law and Justice Committee: Majority recommend Do pass; Minority recommended Do Not Pass on February 2
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Senator Dean Takko, Co-Chair, Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General License  
Summary: State migratory bird permit fee is increased from $15 to $25. A migratory bird account is created for revenue collected from the migratory bird permit.
Status: Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Parks - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass on February 4  
        SCISCI is a proud partner of CSF and
sponsors in part TRACKING THE CAPITOLS

 
 
Working with Congress, governors and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping.
 
For more information on the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation go to 
www.SportsmensLink.org

For additional information on legislation included in this report please contact the appropriate representative: 
 
Midwestern States Director Chris Horton, at 501.865.1475, or email chris@sportsmenslink.org
Northeastern States Director Brent Miller, at 202.543.6850 x 13, or email brent@sportsmenslink.org
Southeastern States Manager Bee Frederick, at 334.593.6988, or email bee@sportsmenslink.org
Western States Director Andy Treharne, at 303.789.7589, or email andy@sportsmenslink.org


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