ANIMAL CONTROL PERMITS ISSUED BY DNR

House Bill 5702 as enacted

Public Act 356 of 2016

Sponsor:  Rep. Jon Bumstead

House Committee:  Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources

Complete to 12-12-16

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5702 would amend Section 40114 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue permits for the taking of animals in order to prevent or control disease.

It would also add language to this section specifying that the taking of game under the following permits is not considered hunting:

o   The taking or possession of animals for the purpose of rehabilitating animals.

o   The taking of animals to prevent or control damage, and disease, or nuisance caused by the animals when done in accordance with the terms of the respective permit issued.

o   The collection, transportation, possession, or disposition of animals and parts of animals for scientific purposes.

o   The public exhibition of animals.

o   Taxidermy.

o   The disposition of accidentally or unlawfully taken or injured animals or animals that are unlawfully possessed.

o   The taking or possession of raptors for the purposes of falconry.

Presently, permits may be issued to prevent or control damage and nuisance caused by animals. The bill would amend this by specifying that the damaged prevented or done was that done to crops or feed.

The bill will take effect March 29, 2017.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5702 would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:

Presently, Section 40114 of NREPA contains several provisions regarding the issuance of hunting licenses to individuals in circumstances which differ from the default permit process. For example, while discharging a firearm from inside a vehicle is generally prohibited by NREPA, exemptions are made for hunters with mobility issues arising from disease or injury.

An exemption regarding the taking of animals to prevent disease is necessary, supporters of the bill say, due to the risk of diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which, if left unchecked, could adversely affect cervid populations in the state. As a result, the DNR should have the ability to issue permits to keep CWD, or other diseases from spreading by being able to issue permits if needed.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Josh Roesner

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

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