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 

March 7, 2016
NORTHEASTERN STATES 


Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban   
Summary: Prohibits the sale and trade of ivory and rhinoceros horn in the state.
Status: Public Hearing Scheduled on for March 11 

Introduced: 02/18/2016
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment
Issue Brief: Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact
Summary: Concerns the suspension of a hunting or fishing license for failure to appear, pay or plea in a hunting or fishing violation case; establishes consistency with other states that are part of the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact by providing for the suspension of a hunting or fishing license when a person is cited for a violation of such license and fails to appear in court or respond to such citation.
Status: Filed with Legislative Commissioner's Office on March 7  

Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Representative Daniel Short, Member, Delaware Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: As it pertains to hunting laws of this State, there are specific requirements as to the type of weapon that may be used or carried while attempting to harvest game. This bill clarifies that a person licensed to carry a concealed deadly weapon may continue to do so while engaged in hunting or trapping activities without having to worry about violating a provision of Title 7 intended to deal with the harvesting of game. The weapon may not be used for hunting purposes and must remain concealed while engaged in
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Natural Resources on March 3 

Introduced: 12/16/2015
Sponsor: Delegate Anthony O'Donnell, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Relates to Calvert County and St. Mary's County; relates to archery hunting; relates to safety zone.
Status: Hearing scheduled for March 22  

Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Carroll County Delegation
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting 
Summary: Authorizes a person to hunt turkey on private property on Sundays during the spring turkey hunting season in Carroll County; makes the Act an emergency measure.
Status: From House Committee on Environment and Transportation: Reported favorably on March 7
 
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: From House Committee on Environment and transportation: Reported as amended on March 7

Introduced: 02/08/2016
Sponsor: House Environment and Transportation Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Clarifies the uses of the Fisheries Research and Development Fund; alters the standards, procedures, and requirements governing scientific collection permits for fisheries; clarifies the minimum publication frequency of specified public notices for specified regulations; authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to issue specified annual complimentary fishing licenses to specified individuals; establishes specified maximums for the number of specified outstanding complimentary fishing licenses.
Status: From House Committee on Environment and transportation: Reported as amended on March 7

Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Justin Ready  
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Authorizes a person to hunt turkey on private property on Sundays during the spring turkey hunting season in Carroll County; makes the Act an emergency measure.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Transportation on March 4

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: Passed Senate. To House on March 7  

Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Senator Bryan Simonaire, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges   
Summary: Requires the Department of Natural Resources to submit an annual report to the General Assembly and the Department of Veterans Affairs on specified licenses issued by the Department of Natural Resources; authorizes the Department of Natural Resources annually to issue a complimentary Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License to specified individuals.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Transportation on March 4

Introduced: 04/15/2015
Sponsor: Senator Anne Gobi, Co-Chair, Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to the use of artificial lights in hunting.
Status: From Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture: Ought to pass on March 4

Introduced: 04/15/2015
Sponsor: Senator Don Humason, Member, Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: Firearm Suppressors
Summary: Relates to suppressors.
Status: From Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security: Ought to pass on March 9

Introduced: 04/15/2015
Sponsor: Senator Michael Moore, Member, Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: Guns
Summary: Authorizes the Colonel of the State Police, or persons authorized by him, to issue a temporary license to carry firearms to certain nonresidents.
Status: From Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security: Ought to pass on March 9 

Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Senator Paul Davis, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Makes changes to the law regarding incidental take of an endangered or threatened species; authorizes the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to create a widespread activity incidental take plan when the commissioner determines that the activity is widespread and conducted by a reasonably identifiable group of participants.
Status: Assigned Senate Paper No. 663 and LD 1636 on March 3 

Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Representative David Kidder, Member, New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: General License 
Summary: Allows the fish and game department to establish 2 days per year for fishing without a license but requires persons in fishing tournaments to have a license on those days; 16-2295 10/01.
Status: Passed House. To Senate on March 9     
 
Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Representative James Spillane
Issue Brief: Crossbows  
Summary: Allows a person who has purchased a muzzleloader license to hunt deer with a crossbow; 16-2018 04/10.
Status: Passed House. To Senate on March 9     

Introduced: 02/04/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Tim Eustace 
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban   
Summary: Prohibits possession, transport, import, export, processing, sale, or shipment of parts and products of certain animal species threatened with extinction.
Status: From Assembly Committee on Environment and Solid Waste on March 3

Introduced: 02/08/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Vincent Mazzeo 
Issue Brief: Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact
Summary: Enters the state in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
Status: From Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/04/2016
Sponsor: Senator Raymond Lesniak  
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban
Summary: Prohibits possession, transport, import, export, processing, sale, or shipment of parts and products of certain animal species threatened with extinction.
Status: From Assembly Committee on Environment and Solid Waste on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Matthew Titone, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus              
Issue Brief: General    
Summary: Relates to the designation of working dogs as the official state dog.
Status: Signed by Governor (Chapter No. 2) on March 8

Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Amy Paulin
Issue Brief: Guns
Summary: Establishes a waiting period before a firearm, shotgun or rifle may be delivered to a person.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Codes on March 3  

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; allows a credit for real property taxes paid on the land, or portion of the land, subject to the easement.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on March 8 
 
Introduced: 01/30/2015
Sponsor: Senator Robert Ortt
Issue Brief: Modern Restraining Animal Traps
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; authorizes the use of live restraint cable devices to take coyote and other specifies as allowed by the department in the northern zone; provides that regulations shall include live cable restraint devices consisting of at least one swivel, a relaxing lock, a deer stop, and a break away device; requires trappers using live cable restraint device must complete a training course in their construction and use offered by the department.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on March 9

Introduced: 02/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Andrew Lanza, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Outdoor Sporting Goods Tax Holiday
Summary: Amends the Tax Law; establishes a personal income tax credit for the purchase of a gun safe.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on March 8 

Introduced: 03/02/2016
Sponsor: Senator Patrick Gallivan, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Game Meat Donation Programs 
Summary: Amends the Tax Law; relates to tax credits for specified in kind donations to non-profit organizations; relates to the calculation of the tax credit; relates to establishing the Venison donation tax credit; specifies methods for computing tax base; specifies application of the tax credit.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on March 8 

Introduced: 03/04/2016
Sponsor: Senate Chuck McIlhinney, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking; provides for license costs and fees.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Game and Fisheries on March 4   

Introduced: 02/24/2016
Sponsor: Representative Arthur Handy
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban
Summary: Would prohibit any person from importing, selling, offering for sale, purchasing, bartering, or possessing with intent to sell, any ivory, ivory product, rhinoceros horn, or rhinoceros horn product, with limited exceptions. Monetary fines have been established to be paid by violators. This act would take effect on January 1, 2017.
Status: In House Committee on Judiciary: Committee recommends measure to be held for further study on March 8 

Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Representative Grace Diaz
Issue Brief: Guns
Summary: Would make it unlawful to carry a rifle or shotgun in a vehicle or on one's person, visible or concealed, except at one's residence, place of business or land, and would further create penalties for the unlawful conveyance of a firearm to a person under the age of eighteen (18) that is used in a violent crime of violence. This act would take effect upon passage.
Status: To House Committee on Judiciary on March 3   

Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Representative Raymond Johnston 
Issue Brief: National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
Summary: Would provide that no person, entity, or dealer shall sell, loan, transfer or acquire a firearm from any person, entity or dealer with the intent to avoid the application/disclosure process required by Sections 11-47-35 or 11-47-35.2. The act of loaning or transferring a gun to a person who may lawfully possess a gun for lawful purposes such as hunting or target shooting would be exempt from this prohibition. This act would take effect upon passage.
Status: To House Committee on Judiciary on March 3   
 
Introduced: 02/23/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kurt Wright                
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban 
Summary: Relates to the sale of ivory or rhinoceros horn.
Status: To Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs on March 8
 
Introduced: 01/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative David Deen, Member, Vermont Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: Crossbows; Enforcement; Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact 
Summary: Relates to hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Status: To House Committee on Ways and Means on May 8  
 
Introduced: 02/26/2016
Sponsor: House Natural Resources and Energy Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to timber harvesting.
Status: In House. Read first time and place on calendar on May 8  


SOUTHEASTERN STATES


Introduced: 03/01/2016
Sponsor: Representative David Sessions
Issue Brief: General; Marine Spatial Plan
Summary: Supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in efforts to establish living shorelines; urges the corps to issue a new nationwide permit for living shorelines.
Status: To Senate Committee on Rules on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/02/2016
Sponsor: Senator Tom Whatley
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Relates to issuance of stamps for waterfowl hunting; raises the stamp fee and to authorize periodic adjustment of the fee.
Status: To House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry on March 3
 
Introduced: 03/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Tim Melson
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Relates to issuance of annual stamps for waterfowl hunting; provides for the issuance of lifetime waterfowl stamps; establishes fees; provides for adjustment of the fees.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on March 8  
 
Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Katie Edwards
Issue Brief: Freshwater 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: In House. Laid on table (refer to S1176) on March 7
 
Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Matt Caldwell, Member, Florida Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Freshwater Angling Access; Enforcement
Summary: Relates to recreational boating zones; prohibits overnight anchoring or mooring of vessels in specified recreational boating zones.
Status: To Governor on March 9  
 
Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee
Issue Brief: Angling Access; Animals Traps; General
Summary: Relates to fish and wildlife conservation commission; revises penalties for violations of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) rules or regulations relating to control and management of state game lands, wildlife management areas, spearfishing, contamination of fresh waters, use of explosives in fresh waters, loaning or transferring license or permit to another person or using borrowed or transferred licenses and permits and swearing or affirming to false statements.
Status: In Senate. Passed Senate. To enrollment on March 4
 
Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Senator Wilton Simpson  
Issue Brief: Freshwater Angling Access
Summary: Relates to anchoring limitation areas; prohibits overnight anchoring or mooring of vessels in specified anchoring limitation areas; provides exceptions; provides for the removal and impoundment of vessels under certain circumstances; provides penalties; provides for violations to be enforced by the issuance of a uniform boating citation; provides penalties.
Status: In Senate. Laid on table, refer to H1051 on March 4
 
Introduced: 02/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jason White, Member, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species; General
Summary: Extends the repealer on the provision of law that prohibits the importation and transportation of any live feral hog, wild swine or Russian boar, and provides that such wild hogs may be caught, trapped or transported by permit holders.
Status: To Senate Committee on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks on March 7
 
Introduced: 02/10/2016
Sponsor: Representative Scott Bounds, Co-Chair, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: License (General)   
Summary: Revises the fees required for hunting and fishing licenses for related purposes.
Status: Transmitted to Senate on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/10/2016
Sponsor: Representative Herb Frierson, Member, National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council
Issue Brief: Knife Preemption
Summary: Provides that no county, municipality or political subdivision thereof shall adopt any ordinance, rule or regulation restricting the possession, sale, purchase, transfer, licensing, manufacture, ownership or use of a knife, knife making components or knives in a manner more restrictive than provided by law. 
Status: Transmitted to Senate on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/11/2016
Sponsor: Representative Scott DeLano, Member, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Creates a special fund in the State Treasury to be designated as the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund; provides that monies in the special fund shall be used by the Department of Marine Resources based upon the recommendation of the Board of trustees of the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund to provide assistance to entities for the purpose of promoting ecological habitat, promoting economic development and overall community benefit.
Status: Transmitted to Senate on March 3
 
Introduced: 03/07/2016
Sponsor: Representative Herb Frierson, Member, National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council
Issue Brief: Budget Bills
Summary: Makes an appropriation for the support and maintenance of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for the fiscal year 2017.
Status: From House Committee on Appropriations: Do pass on March 8
 
Introduced: 03/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Trey Lamar  
Issue Brief: Game Meat Donation Programs
Summary: Authorizes a state income tax credit to venison processers for a percentage of the production cost of processing venison donated by hunters for the state Hunter's Harvest Program of the state wildlife federation for which the processer has not been paid or otherwise received reimbursement.
Status: To House Committee on Ways and Mean on March 8  
 
Introduced: 02/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Joseph Seymour, Member, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: Enforcement; General
Summary: Clarifies the prohibition against hunting on any street, public road, public highway, levee, or railroad.
Status: Transmitted to House on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/10/2016
Sponsor: Representative Steve Moss   
Issue Brief: Freshwater Angling Access  
Summary: Relates to geographical boundaries for certain bodies of water; provides geographic boundaries for the portion of the intracoastal waterway located in Horry County and to make a technical change; relates to locations where striped bass may be taken; revises the periods of time when striped bass may be taken in various bodies of water; relates to the taking of striped bass within various bodies of water; deletes provision that requires the department to conduct a study of the striped bass fishery.
Status: To Senate Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry on March 8
 
Introduced: 02/11/2016
Sponsor: Representative Bill Hixon, Member, South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: White-tailed Deer Management: Hunting as a preferred Management Tool; General
Summary: Relates to the issuance of annual individual anterless deer tags; revises the procedure whereby the Department of Natural Resources issues and charges a person for the privilege of hunting and taking deer in this state; relates to the collection and disposition of revenues generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and tags; substitutes the term antlerless deer quota permit for the term deer quota program permit.
Status: To Senate Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry on March 8  

Introduced: 02/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Greg Hembree
Issue Brief: Fresh Water Angling Access
Summary: Permits maintenance dredging by individuals of certain existing navigational canal community developments authorized by a permit from the United States army corps of engineers pursuant to the federal clean water act, as amended, or the Rivers and harbors act.
Status: Passed House. To Senate for concurrence on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Delegate William Hamilton, Member, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus       
Issue Brief: Enforcement; Hunting with Dogs
Summary: Relates to bear hunting; provides that training dogs on or pursuing bears with dogs is hunting bear; provides that it is unlawful to kill, attempt to kill, or wound or attempt to wound any bear using bait; provides it is unlawful to feed bears at any time; provides that it is unlawful to transport or possess any bear not lawfully tagged; relates to bears damaging or destroying property; provides bear damage claim limit for property covered by insurance policy.
Status: Passed Senate. To House for concurrence on March 7  

Introduced: 02/16/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Randy Smith  
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Relates to penalty for illegally taking native brook trout.
Status: Committee amendment adopted on Senate floor on March 9

Introduced: 02/22/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Bill Anderson
Issue Brief: Enforcement; High Fence; White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a preferred Management Tool
Summary: Relates to making unlawful the theft, damage, or release of deer from private game farms; provides definitions; creates a crime for the taking or carrying away, or intentionally injuring or releasing any captive cervid that is the property of another person; provides a criminal penalty; provides for restitution to be paid to the victim.
Status: In Senate: Read 1st time on March 4

Introduced: 02/16/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Chris Stansbury, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding; General  
Summary: Enhances hunting, fishing, recreational shooting and other outdoor recreational opportunities; strengthens conservation efforts nationwide.
Status: Passed House on March 7

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 Judiciary on March 3    


MIDWESTERN STATES


Introduced: 05/31/2015
Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
Issue Brief: Wolf in Sheeps Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups
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: In Senate Committee on Commerce and Economic Development: Postponed in committee on March 10.

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: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on March 8

Introduced: 02/03/2016
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson
Issue Brief: Hunter Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that a resident youth 18 and under may apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a Youth Trapping License, which extends limited trapping privileges; provides that the Youth Trapping License shall be renewable and expire on the March 31 following the date of issuance; provides that possession of a Youth Trapping License shall serve in lieu of a valid trapping license, but does not exempt the licensee from compliance with the requirements of the Code.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on March 8

Introduced: 02/17/2016
Sponsor: Senator Ila Silverstein
Issue Brief: Wolf in Sheeps Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of this State to import animal trophies into, or export the trophy from, this State; takes any trophy within this State.
Status: In Senate Committee on Judiciary: Postponed in committee on March 9

Introduced: 02/19/2016
Sponsor: Senator Bill Brady, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Concealed Carry While Hunting
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that persons licensed to possess a concealed firearm under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act and current or retired police officers authorized by law to possess a concealed firearm shall be exempt from provisions of the Code prohibiting possession of those firearms.
Status: To Senate Committee on Judiciary on March 8

Introduced: 02/19/2016
Sponsor: Senator Sam McCann, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Freshwater Angling Access
Summary: Amends the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act; provides that certified copies of data, surveys, charts, high and low water marks, river gauges, and information with reference to navigability of public bodies of water in this State collected by the Department of Natural Resources shall be self-authenticating and received in court as evidence of the facts thereby shown.
Status: To Senate Committee on Transportation on March 8

Introduced: 02/22/2016
Sponsor: House Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Relates to the baiting of deer on public or private property and providing penalties.
Status: In House. Filed Amendment No. H-8081 on March 7
 
Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Representative Travis Couture-Lovelady, 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 Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs: Recommended passage on March 9
 
Introduced: 02/29/2016
Sponsor: Representative Major Thibaut, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: Invasive Species
Summary: Provides for a feral hog management program at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 4

Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jerome Richard   
Issue Brief: Freshwater Angling Access
Summary: Relates to authorized uses of the banks of navigable rivers and streams.
Status: To House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure on March 3
 
Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jerome Richard   
Issue Brief: Freshwater Angling Access
Summary: Allows access to the ordinary high stage of navigable waters for certain fishing purposes.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 3
 
Introduced: 03/08/2016
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 March 8  

Introduced: 03/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Rick Hansen, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Relates to game and fish; modifies penalties for gross overlimits; provides criminal penalties.
Status: To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on March 8  
 
Introduced: 03/08/2016
Sponsor: RepresentativeRob Ecklund     
Issue Brief: Budget Bills
Summary: Relates to natural resources; appropriates money for fish virus surveillance.
Status: Introduced.To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on March 8  
 
Introduced: 01/14/2016
Sponsor: Senator Ernie Chambers      
Issue Brief: Wolf in Sheeps Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups 
Summary: Eliminates provisions relating to hunting mountain Lions.
Status: From Legislative Committee on Natural Resources: Indefinitely postponed on March 8    
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kevin Wallace
Issue Brief: Firearm Suppressors
Summary: Creates the Hunting Freedom Act; relates to taking wildlife; prohibits use of any device which suppresses noise from a firearm, known as a suppressor or silencer unless it is registered in compliance with the requirements of federal law; exempts employees of Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Wildlife Services Division and the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services while engaged in wildlife management activities; relates to payment of federal taxes for use of such device.
Status: Passed House. To Senate on March 9   
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Senator Kim Davis
Issue Brief: Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Summary: Relates to Grand River Dam Authority; relates to public lands; uses of district facilities and district lands; declares an emergency.
Status: Passed House. To Senate on March 9   
 
Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Senator Jason Frerichs, Member, South Dakota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Revises restrictions for the use of night-vision equipment for hunting under certain conditions; provides that a landowner or occupant and a specified number of guests accompanied by the landowner or occupant may use night vision equipment on a firearm using a cartridge with a specified bullet diameter, in the taking of jackrabbits, coyotes, beaver during its hunting season, foxes, raccoons, opossums, badgers, skunks, or rodents on the property.
Status: To Governor on March 9

Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Senator Jim White, Member, South Dakota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Revises the provisions regarding the issuance of small game licenses and fishing licenses to disabled veterans at reduced fees and to authorize certain nonresident veterans to get nonresident small game licenses at a reduced fee; increases the length of special pheasant hunts in which disabled veterans may participate.
Status: Signed by Governor on March 9

Introduced: 03/07/2016
Sponsor: Representative Cory Mason   
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban   
Summary: Relates to the sale and purchase of products containing ivory or rhinoceros horn; provides a criminal penalty.
Status: Introduced. To Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage on March 7

Introduced: 10/14/2015
Sponsor: Senator Richard Gudex
Issue Brief: Freshwater Angling Access
Summary: Relates to an exemption from civil liability related to the placement of certain structures in navigable waters and wetlands.
Status: Signed by Governor (Act No. 220) on March 1
 
Introduced: 12/07/2015
Sponsor: Senator Tom Tiffany, Member, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus       
Issue Brief: General     
Summary: Exempts the naturally shed feathers of a grouse, partridge, pheasant, quail, or wild turkey and the feathers of a lawfully taken of these same species from the current prohibition on the sale, purchase, barter, or trade, the offer to sell, purchase, barter, or trade, and the possession or control for the purposes of selling, bartering, or trading of any wild animal.
Status: Signed by Governor (Act No. 248) on March 1
 
Introduced: 01/22/2016
Sponsor: Senator Tom Tiffany, Member, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus    
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Relates to shining wild animals.
Status: Signed by Governor (Act No. 249) on March 1
 
Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: Senator Lena Taylor
Issue Brief: Guns
Summary: Relates to sales and transfers of firearms; relates to providing a penalty.
Status: To Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on March 3


WESTERN STATES 


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: From Senate Committee on Resources: Do pas (4-0); to Senate Committee on Judiciary on March 7 
 
Introduced: 01/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Frank Pratt, Member, Arizona Legislators for Wildlife      
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Relates to Game and Fish Department; relates to military spouses; relates to resident licenses.
Status: From Senate Committee on Public Safety, Military and Technology: Do pass on March 9
 
Introduced: 01/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kelly Townsend, Member, Arizona Legislators for Wildlife
Issue Brief: Enforcement; General; Wolf in Sheeps Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups;
Summary: Relates to wild horses; relates to management; relates to prohibition; relates to Salt River wild horse herd; states that a person who intentionally releases a domesticated horse into the wild is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.
Status: From Senate Committee on Federalism. Mandates and Fiscal Responsibility: Do pass with amendment on March 8 
 
Introduced: 02/04/2016
Sponsor: Representative Don Coram, Member, Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Concerns additional methods to manage forests to secure favorable conditions for water supply.
Status: In House. Read second time and committee amendment adopted. To third reading on March 2
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Senator Kerry Donovan, Co-Chair, Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Concerns recognition of the fourth Monday in March as a state holiday, and, in connection therewith, designating the fourth Monday in March as public lands day.
Status: To House Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs on March 3  
 
Introduced: 03/08/2016
Sponsor: Senator Jerry Sonnenberg
Issue Brief: General; Right to Hunt and Fish
Summary: Concerns the right of Coloradans to hunt wildlife, and, in connection therewith, establishing hunting as the primary means of managing wildlife.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy on March 8  

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Representative Richard Onishi        
Issue Brief: General     
Summary: Establishes a game commission to serve in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the Board of Land and Natural Resources; makes an appropriation.
Status: To Senate Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture. Subsequent referral set for: Senate Committee on Ways and Means on March 10 
 
Introduced: 01/25/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kaniela Ing
Issue Brief: Angler Access 
Summary: Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to designate and adopt rules for the management of no fewer than five community-based subsistence fishing areas; establishes designation process and rule requirements.
Status: In Committee: Public Hearing Scheduled on March 10 
 
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: Subsequent referral set for: Senate Committee on Ways and Means on March 10 
 
Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: Senator Ronald Kouchi 
Issue Brief: Apprentice Hunting License   
Summary: Establishes the Hawaii apprentice hunting license program; provides for the issuance of a Hawaii apprentice hunting license to program participants; establishes requirements for program participation; exempts holder of an apprentice license from taking the required hunter education class prior to licensure Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Status: In Senate. Read third time. Passed Senate. To House on March 8
 
Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: Senator Mike Gabbard 
Issue Brief: Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact    
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to enter into the interstate wildlife violator compact or similar agreement for mutual assistance in the enforcement of wildlife laws.
Status: To House Committee on Water and Land/ Subsequent referral set for: House Committee on Judiciary and House Committee on Finance on March 10 
 
Introduced: 01/26/2016
Sponsor: Representative Ronald Kouchi    
Issue Brief: Public 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: To House Committee on Water and Land. Subsequent referral set for: House Committee on Judiciary. 
 
Introduced: 03/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Ronald Kouchi    
Issue Brief: Magnuson-Stevenson Act; Marine Protected Areas   
Summary: Urges the president of the United States to deny any request to expand the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and oppose any action to expand the monument.
Status: Introduced on March 8
 
Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: House Resources and Conservation Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends existing law to revise age provisions associated with the purchase of wildlife management area upland game bird permits.
Status: From Senate Committee on Resources and Environment: Do pass on March 7 
 
Idaho H 565
Introduced: 03/03/2016
Sponsor: House Appropriations Committee   
Issue Brief: Budget Bills
Summary: Appropriates funds to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2017; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 558.
Status: Unanimous consent to hold place on third reading calendar one legislative day on March 9 
 
Introduced: 03/09/2016
Sponsor: House Ways and Means Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: States findings of the Legislature; opposes any proposals that bar Idaho hunters, anglers and trappers from accessing state endowment trust land on the basis of exclusivity; encourages the State Board of Land Commissioners to preserve and promote reasonable and equitable access to state endowment trust land for the benefit of all Idahoans.
Status: Introduced on March 9 

Introduced: 02/11/2016
Sponsor: Senate Resources and Environment Committee
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species
Summary: States findings of the Legislature; requests that Congress ensure the continued appropriation of funds in the fiscal year 2017 budget to significantly enhance aquatic invasive species prevention efforts; implements the intent of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act.
Status: Unanimous consent to hold place on third reading calendar one legislative day on March 9 
 
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, or the gray wolf, from state list of endangered species.
Status: Passed Senate (17-11); eligible for Governor's desk on March 2
 
Introduced: 01/16/2016
Sponsor: Representative Brian Blake
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Concerns license fees for National Guard members under Title 77 RCW.
Status: Passed House concurrence vote (95-0, 3 excused) on March 8 
 
Introduced: 01/11/2015
Sponsor: Senator Mike Hewitt  
Issue Brief: Conservation Funding 
Summary: Provides funding for steelhead conservation through the issuance of Washington's fish license plate collection.
Status: Passed House (95-2); eligible for Governor's desk on March 3
 
Introduced: 02/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Stan Cooper
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Relates to game and fish licenses; authorizes Purple Heart medal recipients to receive lifetime bird, small game and fishing licenses without charge as specified; provides for an effective date. 
Status: Signed by Governor (Chapter No. 23) on March 3  
        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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