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 14, 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: From Joint Committee on Environment: Reported with substitute on March 16   

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: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis on March 16

Introduced: 02/18/2016
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment
Issue Brief: General; American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Concerns the authority of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection; establishes a trout stamp.
Status: From Joint Committee on Environment: Reported with substitute on March 16

Introduced: 02/24/2016
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Environment
Issue Brief: Trophy Importation Ban 
Summary: To prohibit the import, sale and trade of big-game hunting trophies from overseas. 
Status: From Joint Committee on Environment: Reported with substitute on March 16

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: 03/16/2016
Sponsor: Representative William Carson, Co-Chair, Delaware Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Amends Title 7 of the Delaware Code relating to hunting. Allows for the hunting of deer on private land on Sundays.
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Natural Resources on March 16 

Introduced: 02/27/2015
Sponsor: Representative Joseph Martin, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus     
Issue Brief: Access Private Lands
Summary: Authorizes the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to issue any hunting or fishing license at a reduced rate to a nonresident who owns more than 250 acres of land in this State and keeps that land open for hunting.
Status: In House. Passed to be enacted on March 16

Maine LR 2727
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: 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 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 Senate Committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs on March 14
 
Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Caroline County Delegation
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to allow a person in Caroline County to hunt any game bird or game mammal, except migratory game birds and wetland game birds, on a Sunday on specified land during the open season for that game bird or game mammal; makes specified conforming changes.
Status: Second reading passed with amendments. To third reading on March 16
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Jay Jacobs, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Authorizes in Kent County a person to catch gizzard shad, also known as mud shad, carp, or catfish with a haul seine during the period from Friday midnight until sunrise on Monday under specified circumstances; requires the Department of Natural Resources to adopt specified regulations.
Status: Second reading passed. To third reading on March 15   

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Seth Howard, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Establishes for archery hunters in Anne Arundel County a safety zone of 50 yards from a dwelling house, residence, church, or any other building or camp within which archery hunting may not take place except under specified circumstances.
Status: Second reading passed with amendments. To third reading on March 16

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: To Senate Committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs on March 14

Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Glen Glass  
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Establishes that the safety zone for archery hunters in Harford County extends for 50 yards from a dwelling house, residence, church, or any other building or camp occupied by human beings within which archery hunting may not take place except under specified circumstances.
Status: Second reading passed with amendments. To third reading on March 15 

Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Eric Luedtke
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban
Summary: Prohibits a person from purchasing, selling, offering for sale, or possessing with the intent to sell specified parts or products of specified animal species under specified circumstances, subject to specified exceptions; establishes specified penalties for a violation of the Act; requires that fines and restitution imposed under the Act be credited to the Department of Natural Resources for the benefit of the Birdwatcher's Fund to be used for the preservation of nongame wildlife species.
Status: From House Committee on Environment and Transportation: Reported unfavorably on March 14 

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: In Senate Committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs on March 22

Introduced: 02/12/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Anthony O'Donnell, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Apprentice Hunting License  
Summary: Establishes an apprentice hunting license that confers specified rights on a purchaser of the license; authorizes a person to obtain a license without having first been issued a certificate of competency in firearms and hunter safety; authorizes specified persons to hunt under a license only if accompanied and directly supervised by specified other persons; prohibits the renewal of a license; establishes specified fees for resident and nonresident apprentice hunting licenses.
Status: Second reading passed with amendments. To third reading on March 16

Introduced: 02/12/2016
Sponsor: Delegate April Rose, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to issue a complimentary angler's license, Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license, or hunting license to a Maryland resident who is a member of the armed services or a veteran.
Status: In House Committee on Environment and Transportation on March 9

Introduced: 02/12/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Matt Morgan   
Issue Brief: White-tailed Deer Management -- Hunting as a preferred Management Tool 
Summary: Authorizes an individual who Holds a Deer Management Permit in Charles County and St. Mary's County to use a shotgun or breech loading center fired rifle approved by the Department of Natural Resources to hunt deer throughout the year, including all deer hunting seasons, in the locations and under the conditions set forth in the permit.
Status: Hearing scheduled for 1:00 PM on March 11   

Introduced: 02/17/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Jefferson Ghrist, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions 
Summary: Authorizes an individual who holds a Deer Management Permit in Caroline County to use a shotgun or breech loading center fired rifle approved by the Department of Natural Resources to hunt deer throughout the year for the purpose of preventing damage to crops; authorizes the Department to authorize an individual to hunt deer on Sundays in Caroline County under specified circumstances.
Status: Withdrawn from further consideration on March 17 

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: 02/05/2016
Sponsor: Senator Bryan Simonaire, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges   
Summary: Authorizes a person to purchase and donate specified recreational hunting or fishing licenses and any corresponding stamps for specified purposes; authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to issue a donated license or stamp only for use by a disabled veteran, a disabled member of the armed services, or a permanently disabled person who requires the use of a wheelchair; prohibits the Department from charging a fee for the issuance of a donated license or stamp.
Status: Passed Senate. To House on March 16
 
Introduced: 02/05/2016
Sponsor: Senator Stephen Waugh, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: License (General)
Summary: Requires the Department of Natural Resources to adopt regulations that provide the option to a tidal fish licensee authorized to catch crabs using trotlines and crab pots to work specified hours from July 15 through September 15 of any year; requires a licensee who chooses a specified hours-of-work option to notify the Department of that choice by a specified date; prohibits a licensee who chooses a specified hours-of-work option from changing that option until the following license year.
Status: Passed Senate. To House on March 16
 
Introduced: 02/12/2016
Sponsor: Senator Patrick Young
Issue Brief: Ivory Ban
Summary: Prohibits a person from purchasing, selling, offering for sale, or possessing with the intent to sell specified parts or products of specified animal species under specified circumstances, subject to specified exceptions; establishes specified penalties for a violation of the Act; requires that fines and restitution imposed under the Act be credited to the Department of Natural Resources for the benefit of the Birdwatcher's Fund to be used for the preservation of nongame wildlife species.
Status: Withdrawn from further consideration on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/11/2015
Sponsor: Representative David Muradian, Member, Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Fishing Tournaments
Summary: Provides for the promulgation of regulations by the Director of Fisheries and Wildlife for the use and possession of shotgun ammunition types for the purposes of hunting.
Status: From Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture: Ought to pass on March 15
 
Introduced: 03/11/2016
Sponsor: Representative David Vieira, Co-Chair, Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to the hunting of coyotes with artificial light.
Status: From Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture: Accompanied bi Bill S 422  

Introduced: 03/11/2015
Sponsor: Representative Lori Ehrlich  
Issue Brief: Ivory
Summary: Prevents trafficking in ivory and rhino horns.
Status: In Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture: Ought to pass on March 15     
 
Introduced: 03/11/2015
Sponsor: Representative Paul Frost   
Issue Brief: Firearm Suppressors  
Summary: Relates to instruments used for the muffling of noise from the firing of firearms.
Status: In Joint Committee on Judiciary: Extension Order Filed. Extended until May 2
 
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: To Senate Committee on Ways and Means on March 10  

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

Massachusetts S 1287
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: To Senate Committee on Ways and Means on March 16

Introduced: 01/08/2015
Sponsor: Representative John Burt, Member, New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Firearm Suppressors 
Summary: Repeals provisions which prohibit the use of silencing devices for taking wildlife and impose penalties therefor.
Status: Passed Senate (23-0) on March 17  

Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Representative Mark Proulx, Member, New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: Guns
Summary: Allows a person to carry a rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle, OHRV, snowmobile, boat, aircraft, or other vehicle; 16-2212 04/05.
Status: Passed House. To Senate on March 10
 
Introduced: 12/03/2015
Sponsor: Representative Jason Parent  
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Provides that a guide licensed by the fish and game department shall not be limited in the number of bears they may assist in taking but shall be limited to 6 active bear bait sites; 16-2008 10/05.
Status: Failed to pass House on March 9

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: Hearing scheduled for March 23

Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Senator David Watters, Member, New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Establishes the coastal marine natural resources and environment commission; 16-2736 08/09.
Status: Public hearing scheduled for March 30

Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Senator David Watters, Member, New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Requires the fish and game department to identify existing and needed wildlife corridors connecting wildlife habitats in the state and to make recommendations to the legislature for changes to Laws; 16-2810 10/05.
Status: From Senate Committee on Finance: Ought to pass with amendment on March 16

Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Senator Dan Feltes   
Issue Brief: Enforcement
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: To House Committee on Fish and Game and Marine resources on March 10

Introduced: 01/21/2016
Sponsor: Senator Gary Daniels   
Issue Brief: Off Highway Vehicles (OHV's)
Summary: Establishes an OHRV registration fee for persons who are members of OHRV which is reduced $30 from the increased fee paid by other registrants; the fee provisions take effect upon certification by the executive director of fish and game of the implementation of certain requirements; 16-2939 10/03.
Status: From Senate Committee on Finance: Ought to pass with amendment on March 16   

Introduced: 02/04/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Timothy 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: Substituted by S 977 on March 14  

Introduced: 02/08/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Raj Mukherji 
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: To Governor on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Stephen Sweeney, Member, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus  
Issue Brief: Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact
Summary: Enters New Jersey in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environment and Energy on March 10 
 
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: 01/22/2015
Sponsor: Senator Michael Nozzolio
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; eliminates sporting license fees for honorably discharged, disabled veterans.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on March 14
 
New York S 2953
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: 03/17/2015
Sponsor: Senator John Bonacic, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus     
Issue Brief: Hunting, Angling & Nature Appreciation in Schools
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 Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on March 15  

Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Senator Diane Savino         
Issue Brief: Knife Definitions
Summary: Amends the Penal Law; relates to the definitions of a switchblade knife and a gravity knife; excludes knives which have a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure and open the knife.
Status: From Senate Committee on Codes on March 10
Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Roxanne Persaud 
Issue Brief: Ammunition
Summary: Amends the Penal Law; relates to the sale of ammunition for assault weapons; classes E felony.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Codes on March 10  

Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Roxanne Persaud 
Issue Brief: Ammunition
Summary: Amends the Penal Law; relates to the restriction of the sale of ammunition to only individuals authorized to possess such weapon.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Codes on March 10  

Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Martin Golden
Issue Brief: Tethering of Dogs
Summary: Relates to outdoor restraints of dogs; prohibits, in the city of New York, 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; provides tethered dogs must be free of cruel conditions or inhumane tethering; provides violation of these provisions shall be a misdemeanor.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Agriculture on March 10   

Introduced: 03/15/2016
Sponsor: Senator Patrick Gallivan, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Crossbows 
Summary: Authorizes the taking of wildlife by the use of a crossbow; makes related provisions.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on March 15 

Introduced: 03/23/2015
Sponsor: Representative Dan Moul, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Public Access to Private Lands
Summary: Amends the act of February 2, 1965 (P.L.1860, No.586), entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts;" provides for liability for landowners to recreational users; provides for attorney fees and court costs.
Status: In House on Second Consideration on March 17

Introduced: 05/11/2015
Sponsor: Representative David Maloney, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: Appreciation in School 
Summary: Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking licenses; provides for eligibility for license; provides for hunter education in public schools.
Status: In Senate on Second Consideration on March 15   

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: 01/15/2016
Sponsor: Representative J. Aaron Regunberg
Issue Brief: Standard Capacity Magazines  
Summary: Criminalizes the manufacture, import, possession, purchase, sale or transfer of any ammunition feeding device capable of accepting more than ten (10) rounds.
Status: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration on March 22  

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: Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration on March 22  

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: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Frank Lombardo  
Issue Brief: Crossbows
Summary: Would legalize the taking of wild migratory birds by crossbow. This act would take effect upon passage.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture on March 10    
 
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: Passed House. To Senate on March 15
 
Introduced: 02/23/2016
Sponsor: House Natural Resources and Energy Committee
Issue Brief: Conservative Tax Incentive
Summary: Relates to state lands.
Status: Committee amendment adopted on House Floor on March 11   
 
Introduced: 02/26/2016
Sponsor: House Natural Resources and Energy Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to timber harvesting.
Status: To Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on March 16  


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 Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry: Reported favorably with substitute on March 10   

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: From House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry: Reported favorably on March 10 

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: From Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry: Reported favorably on March 10 

Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: Senator Darren Soto
Issue Brief: Conservation Funding
Summary: Relates to State black bears; creates the State Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act; requires the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Department of Environmental Protection to enforce certain provisions, adopted rules, and issue orders; creates a Bear-Resistant Garbage Container Account within the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund.
Status: In Senate. Died in committee on March 11 

Introduced: 01/12/2016
Sponsor: House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee
Issue Brief: Angling Access; 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: Signed by Officers and presented to Governor on March 9 

Introduced: 02/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Scott Bounds, Co-Chair, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Outdoor Sporting Goods Tax Holiday  
Summary: Revises the time for the sales tax exemption for retail sales of firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies from the first weekend in September to the last weekend in August.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on March 11 
 
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: To Senate Committee on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Additionally referred to Senate Committee on Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency on March 11 
  
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: To Senate Committee on Judiciary, Division A on March 11 
 
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: To Senate Committee on Appropriations on March 11 
 
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: To Senate Committee on Appropriations on March 10 

Introduced: 02/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Joseph Seymour, Member, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Clarifies the prohibition against hunting on any street, public road, public highway, levee, or railroad.
Status: To House Committee on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks on March 14 

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: Senate concurred in House amendments on March 15  
 
Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jerry Sexton, Member, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species; 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: General Subcommittee failed to recommend passage on March 15
 
Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Representative Frank Niceley, Member, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species; 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: To Senate Committee Calendar on March 14  
 
Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Senator Mark Green
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: To Senate Committee on Calendar on March 14 

Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Senator Steve Southerland, Member, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: General   
Summary: Relates to Environmental Preservation; creates the forum on the state's great outdoors for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive review of the health and status of this state's natural resources and outdoor recreation needs and opportunities.
Status: To Senate Committee on Calendar on March 14
 
Introduced:  1/20/2016
Sponsor:  Delegate Brian Kurcaba
Issue Brief:  Range Protection  
Summary:  Exempts activity at indoor shooting ranges from the prohibition of shooting or discharging a firearm within a specified distance of any church or dwelling house; amends the definition of shooting range to include an indoor range; exempts activity at indoor ranges from criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition; limits nuisance actions against shooting ranges.
Status:  Eligible for Governor's desk March 12

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 and baiting; requires transported bear parts be tagged; revises provisions relating to bear damaging or destroying property; clarifies the issuance of depredation permits, recommendations and reports; provides bear damage claim limit for property used to feed or bait wildlife; clarifies that claims be made against personal insurance; requires payments from bear damage fund be reduced by insurance payments; provides for and decreases certain criminal penalties and fines.
Status: To Governor on March 15   

Introduced: 02/16/2016
Sponsor: Delegate Randy Smith, Member, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus   
Issue Brief: Enforcement 
Summary: Relates to penalty for illegally taking native brook trout.
Status: To Governor on March 11 

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: To Governor on March 12

Introduced: 01/13/2016
Sponsor: Senator Mark Maynard     
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Concerns the Department of Natural Resources rule relating to prohibitions when hunting and trapping.
Status: Eligible for Governor's desk on March 12 

Introduced: 01/15/2016
Sponsor: Senator Craig Blair
Issue Brief: 365 Day License 
Summary: Relates to fishing licenses; defines Class O, Class OO resident and nonresident fishing stamps; defines a Class L fishing license as a resident fishing license entitling the licensee to fish for all legal fish except trout and to take frogs in all counties of the state for five consecutive calendar dates; provides that a resident hunter, angler, or trapper licensed to hunt, fish, or trap shall also have a Class CS conservation stamp; provides for the administration of revenues collected.
Status: Signed by Governor on March 15   

Introduced: 01/20/2016
Sponsor: Senator Robert Karnes, Member, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: General; High Fence 
Summary: Relates to the classification of certain species; identifies coyotes as fur-bearing animals; identifies the woodchuck as a game animal; identifies coyote, porcupine and all species of cervids as wild animals; provides for an exception; provides for definitions relating to the classification of game animals, game birds, game fish, and wild animals; provides for certain other related definitions.
Status: To Governor on March 15 
 
Introduced: 03/12/2016
Sponsor: Senator Tom Takubo
Issue Brief: Hunter Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation; Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Requests study of allowing hunting on Sundays and effect on economy.
Status: To Senate Committee on Rules on March 12     


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: From Senate Committee on Assignments: Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce and Economic Development Amendment No. 2 on March 9    

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: In Senate Committee on Judiciary: To Subcommittee on Firearms on March 16

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: 02/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Greg Heartstill
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Requires search warrants for certain activities under the jurisdiction of the natural resource commission.
Status: To House Committee on Judiciary on March 11 

Introduced: 02/15/2016
Sponsor: House Judiciary Committee
Issue Brief: Firearm Suppressors    
Summary: Relates to possessing and transferring firearm suppressors; provides penalties; includes effective date provisions.
Status: In House. Filed Amendment No. H-8127 on March 17 

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: 02/22/2016
Sponsor: Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to the identification of owners of blinds and stands for hunting placed on public land; makes penalties applicable.
Status: To Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 10 
 
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: Passed Senate on March 17
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Stuart Bishop
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Recreates the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Status: Introduced.To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 14    
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Bodi White  
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Relates to the requirements of hunters during open gun season; adds "blaze pink" as an alternative to the "hunter orange" requirements; provides for related matters.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Major Thibaut, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding; General  
Summary: Provides for a feral hog management program at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jerrome Zeringue   
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Establishes a fishing guide apprentice program.
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 14

Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Barry Ivey    
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Relates to a constitutional amendment; provides for the dedication of mineral revenues.
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Appropriations on March 14

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: 03/14/2016
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: Introduced. To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Major Thibaut, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus  
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species
Summary: Creates the Feral Hog Management Advisory Task Force.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 15

Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Senator Dan Claitor   
Issue Brief: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Summary: Expresses legislative intent for enforcement of laws regulating fishing gear authorized for use in the state's offshore waters.
Status: To Senate Committee on Natural Resources on March 15 
 
Introduced: 03/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Rick Hansen, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief: Technology and the Fair Chase Ethic 
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: Representative Rob 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: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Representative Tom Hackbarth, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to game and fish; provides for northern pike management; requires rulemaking; requires a report.
Status: Introduced.To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on March 10
 
Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Representative Denny McNamara, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species
Summary: Relates to natural resources; provides for control of invasive species; modifies wild rice license requirements; provides for streamlined review of certain plans and regulations; modifies and provides civil penalties; requires a report.
Status: To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on March 10
 
Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Representative Denny McNamara, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Relates to natural resources; modifies restrictions on mowing ditches; provides civil penalties.
Status: Introduced.To House Committee on Transportation Policy and Finance on March 10  
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Jim Newberger      
Issue Brief: License (General)
Summary: Relates to game and fish; provides preference for certain landowners when conducting deer-hunting lotteries.
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Dan Fabian       
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Relates to game and fish; modifies elk management plan requirements.
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Representative Tom Hackbarth, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus      
Issue Brief: Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle Bans
Summary: Relates to game and fish; prohibits adoption of rules limiting use of lead shot.
Status: Introduced. To House Committee on Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/14/2016
Sponsor: Senator John Hoffman      
Issue Brief: Modern Restraining Animal Traps
Summary: Relates to game and fish; modifies requirements for certain traps; requires certain permission for traps and snares set; requires reporting; requires license forfeiture for certain violations; provides criminal penalties.
Status: In Senate. Second Reading on March 14
 
Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Matt Schmit, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus       
Issue Brief: Technology and Fair Chase Ethic 
Summary: Relates to game and fish; prohibits use of unmanned aircraft systems to take, harm, or harass wild animals.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environment and Energy on March 10  

Introduced: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Bill Ingebritsen, Member, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus       
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to sales and use tax; modifies the sales tax on club memberships to exclude game release charges.
Status: To Senate Committee on Taxes on March 10
 
Introduced: 01/27/2016
Sponsor: Representative Robert Ross
Issue Brief: Angling Access 
Summary: Changes the laws regarding water rights.
Status: To House Select Committee on Agriculture on March 15
 
Introduced: 03/09/2016
Sponsor: Representative Robert Ross
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal the Conservation Commission's authority to acquire land.
Status: Introduced on March 9  
 
Introduced: 01/06/2016
Sponsor: Senator John McCollister, Member, Nebraska Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus    
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Changes Game and Parks Commission fee and permit provisions.
Status: Placed on Select File as amended on March 16
 
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: 03/10/2016
Sponsor: Senator Troy Balderson       
Issue Brief: General; Enforcement
Summary: Revises specified laws relating to natural resources.
Status: Introduced. To Senate Committee on Rules and Reference on March 10
 
Introduced: 02/02/2016
Sponsor: Representative Steve Vaughan, Member, Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to capture and mutilation of protection wildlife; deletes restrictions on abandoning the body of game birds, mammals or fish; deleting restrictions on mutilating wildlife; makes it unlawful to waste edible meat of game wildlife; provides exceptions for gunshots, injury or disease or if the wildlife is being prepared for taxidermy; makes it unlawful to abandon the body of any protected wildlife within a specified distance of a public road; provides for revocation of a hunting or fishing license.
Status: To Senate Committee on Tourism and Wildlife on March 10    
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kevin Wallace
Issue Brief: License (General)
Summary: Relates to game and fish; relates to special use permits for hunting, fishing or using certain private lands; deletes land size restriction for special use permits to use certain private lands; declares an emergency.
Status: To Senate Committee on Tourism and Wildlife on March 10    
 
Introduced: 02/02/2016
Sponsor: Representative Dan Fisher 
Issue Brief: Guns
Summary: Directs the Secretary of State to refer to the people for their approval or rejection a proposed amendment to Section 26 of Article II of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma; clarifies manner in which citizens may keep and bear arms; States legislative authority; prohibits certain Laws; provides ballot title; directs filing.
Status: Passed House. To Senate on March 10     
 
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: To House Committee on Wildlife on March 16    
 
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: 01/14/2016
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 Rules: Do pass proper for consideration on March 14 
 
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 Rules: Do pass proper for consideration on March 14 
 
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: House engrossed. Printed on March 17 
 
Introduced: 02/17/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Chris Holden
Issue Brief: Technology and the Fair Chase Ethic    
Summary: Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop guidelines for the use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, over the public lands managed by the department.
Status: In Assembly. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection on March 16  
 
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: From House Committee on Finance: Reported favorably with amendment (11-0). To House Committee on Appropriations on March 16 
 
Introduced: 02/08/2016
Sponsor: Representative Yeulin Willett 
Issue Brief: General 
Summary: Concerns changing the legal starting date for the black bear hunting season.
Status: To House Committee on State, Veterans & Military Affairs on February 4
Hearing: Rm. 271 at 1:30 PM on March 28 
 
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: To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy on March 9
Hearing: SCR 354 at 1:30 PM on March 24  
 
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 13
 
Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Senator Kerry Donovan, Co-Chair, Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Concerns Wearing fluorescent pink garments to hunt big game.
Status: House General Orders - Second Reading of Bills on March 16  
 
Introduced: 01/19/2016
Sponsor: Senator Mike Johnston
Issue Brief: Public Access to Private Lands
Summary: Concerns a clarification of the authority of the parks and wildlife commission to enter into an agreement with a private landowner.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy on March 4   
 
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 Ways and Means on March 16 
 
Introduced: 01/25/2016
Sponsor: Representative Kaniela Ing
Issue Brief: Angling 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. Measure deferred on March 16  
 
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 Senate Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Technology. Additionally referred to Senate Committee on Government Operations. Sequential 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: To House Committee on Judiciary on March 16
 
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 Judiciary on March 16  
 
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: In House Committee on Water and Land: Voted do pass with amendment (7-0) on March 14 
 
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: To Senate Committee on Water, Land and Agriculture. Additionally referred to Senate Committee on Public Affairs, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs on March 16 
 
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: Reported enrolled; signed by Speaker and transmitted to Senate on March 14 
 
Introduced: 01/26/2016
Sponsor: House Resources and Conservation Committee
Issue Brief: Hunter Education 
Summary: Amends existing law to clarify that the Fish and Game Commission shall prescribe and administer education programs in trapping.
Status: Passed Senate (35-0) on March 15 

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 be returned to Appropriations Committee on March 164 
 
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: Reported out of Committee with "Do Pass: recommendation on March 14 
 
Introduced: 02/19/2016
Sponsor: Senate State Affairs Committee
Issue Brief: General  
Summary: Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding controlled hunts; provides for contracts with private entities to conduct drawings for controlled hunt permits and tags.
Status: To Governor on March  16 

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: Placed on Third Reading Calendar until March 7
 
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: Signed by Governor on March 14 
 
Introduced: 02/01/2016
Sponsor: Representative Wayne Krieger, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
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: Signed by Governor on March 14 

Introduced: 01/25/2016
Sponsor: Representative Mike McKell
Issue Brief: General     
Summary: Clarifies the nature of a license, permit, tag, certificate of registration, point, or credit issued to a person by the Division of Wildlife Resources; modifies procedures for a big game hunting permit; provides for a free fishing day; states a license, permit, tag, or certificate or registration issued to a person by the Division is a privilege, not a right; states that a point or credit issued to a person to improve their chance's or receiving a hunting permit may not be transferred, sold, or assigned.
Status: Enrolled on March 15
 
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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