ALLOW SMALL GAME HUNTING FROM

PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICE

House Bill 5361 (Substitute H-1)

Sponsor:  Rep. Charles Smiley

Committee:  Natural Resources

Complete to 5-21-14

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 5361 would allow individuals who need a personal assistive mobility device due to impaired mobility to hunt wild game from that vehicle.

A personal assistive mobility device is defined as "any device, including, but not limited to, one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by an individual with mobility impairment for locomotion and is considered an extension of the individual."

Under the bill, an individual with a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle who uses one of these personal assistive mobility devices could transport or possess an uncased firearm with a loaded magazine if the action was open.  In order for that individual to possess and/or discharge a loaded firearm for the taking of wild game, the following the requirements must be met:

o                   The personal assistive mobility device cannot be moving.

o                   The individual must hold a valid base license and any other necessary license, and comply with all other laws and rules for the taking of game.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5361 would not have a significant fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Josh Roesner

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.