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.

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.

Due to the high volume of legislation, Tracking the Capitols only includes bills that have had status updates within the last week. With questions about specific bills, please contact your regional CSF staff member.
Updates for the week of 
March 20, 2017

NORTHEASTNORTHEASTERN STATES


Introduced: 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Representative Melissa H. Ziobron, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species
Summary:  Requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to prepare a plan for the rapid detection and eradication of newly discovered terrestrial invasive species.
Status: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis on March 21

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Representative Robert C. Sampson, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Guns (General)
Summary:  Concerns firearms during a civil preparedness emergency; prohibits the Governor or any municipality from restricting lawful possession of a firearm or ammunition during a civil preparedness emergency.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16

Introduced: 01/13/2017
Sponsor: Representative Robert C. Sampson, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Guns (General)
Summary:  Recognizes licenses to carry firearms issued by other states; recognizes permits or licenses to carry a firearm issued by other States that have substantially similar standards for carrying a firearm.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16

Introduced: 01/19/2017
Sponsor: Representative Robert C. Sampson, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary:  Authorizes lifetime hunting and fishing licenses; allows for the purchase of lifetime hunting and lifetime fishing licenses; provides for an endorsement on the motor vehicle operator's license.
Status: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis on March 21

Introduced: 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Kevin Sculczyck
Issue Brief: Guns (General)
Summary:  Repeals certain gun control legislation; repeals gun control legislation.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16

Introduced: 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Doug Dubitsky, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Modern Sporting Rifle
Summary:  Excludes rimfire target pistols from the definition of assault weapon; excludes from the definition of assault weapon any rimfire target pistols that are designed for use in target shooting events at the Olympic games.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16

Introduced: 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Diana S. Urban
Issue Brief: Ivory Bans
Summary:  Prohibits the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horns; provides criminal penalties for the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horns.
Status: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis on March 22

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator Kevin D. Witkos
Issue Brief: Standard Capacity Magazines
Summary:  Concerns the possession of high-capacity magazines by retired law enforcement officers; allows retired law enforcement officers to possess high-capacity magazines.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator Toni Boucher
Issue Brief: Ammunition Restrictions (non-lead)
Summary:  Concerns the sale of ammunition at gun clubs and firearm ranges; permits gun clubs and firearm ranges to sell ammunition for use at such club or range.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator Carlo Leone
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary:  Provides for discounted hunting, trapping and fishing licenses for certain veterans; promotes activities that may assist rehabilitation and recuperation for certain veterans with service-connected disability ratings from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Status: Reissued by Legislative Commissioner's Office with File No. 105

Introduced: 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Senator Craig Miner, Co-Chair, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Bear Hunting
Summary:  Authorizes bear hunting in the state of Connecticut.
Status: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis on March 22

Introduced: 01/23/2017
Sponsor: Senator L. Scott Frantz
Issue Brief: Modern Sporting Rifle
Summary:  Concerns lower-powered rimfire target pistols; allows the purchase and possession of any .22 caliber rimfire target pistol.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16

Introduced: 01/23/2017
Sponsor: Senator Joe Markley, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Modern Sporting Rifle
Summary:  Concerns rimfire target pistols; excludes from the definition of assault weapon any .22 caliber rimfire target pistol that is designed for use in target shooting.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on March 16
 
Introduced: 03/13/2017
Sponsor: Representative Peter A. Lyford, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Requires that all proceeds derived from the sale of moose permits be dedicated to the Moose Research and Management Fund.
Status: Senate refers to Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in concurrence on March 16

Introduced: 03/16/2017
Sponsor: Representative William R. Tuell
Issue Brief: White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a Preferred Management Tool
Summary:  This bill makes the penalty for hunting over bait during an open season on deer a mandatory fine of $500. It also provides for the one-year suspension of a hunting license of a person convicted of doing so.
Status: Senate refers to Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in concurrence on March 21

Introduced: 03/20/2017
Sponsor: Senator Amy F. Volk, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species
Summary:  This bill restricts the rule-making authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry regarding nonnative invasive terrestrial plants to allow the commissioner to adopt rules regarding those nonnative terrestrial plants that are determined to be invasive. The commissioner may not adopt rules to regulate plants that are likely or potentially invasive.
Status: House refers to Joint Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in concurrence on March 21

Introduced: 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Montgomery County Delegation
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to allow a person to hunt deer on specified property during a specified time period on specified Sundays in Montgomery County, subject to specified provisions of law; establishes that the authority of the Department to allow deer hunting on specified Sundays does not apply in Montgomery County.
Status: Passed House to Senate on March 20
 
Introduced: 02/06/2017
Sponsor: Wicomico County Delegation
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Authorizes a person in Wicomico County to hunt deer on private property on specified Sundays.
Status: To Senate Committee on Education, Health and Environment on March 20
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Herb McMillan
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 an apprentice hunting license on completion of a short online or electronic course of instruction in competency in firearms and hunter safety approved by the Department of Natural Resources; authorizes specified persons to hunt under an apprentice license only if accompanied and directly supervised by a person who is at least a minimum age and has a valid resident permit.
Status: Passed House to Senate on March 20

Introduced: 02/15/2017
Sponsor: Senator Bryan Simonaire, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources, in addition to specified other applicable penalties, to suspend for up to a certain period of time the privilege to operate a vessel on the Waters of the State of a person who is convicted of operating a vessel on Waters of the State while under the influence of alcohol; prohibits a person from operating a vessel on the Waters of the State during a period of suspension of the privilege to operate a vessel on the Waters of the State.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Transportation on March 21

Introduced: 03/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary:  Further regulates the enforcement of illegal hunting practices.
Status: Filed as House Docket 3464 on March 22

Introduced: 01/05/2017
Sponsor: Representative Karel A. Crawford
Issue Brief: Crossbows
Summary:  Allows a person sixty-eight years of age or older holding a archery license may use a crossbow as an alternative to traditional bow and arrow during the archery deer season without obtaining an additional permit.
Status: From Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Ought to pass on March 21

Introduced: 03/20/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Elizabeth Maher Muoio
Issue Brief: Ammunition
Summary: Requires photo identification for handgun ammunition purchases.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Law and Public Safety on March 20

Introduced: 03/20/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Elizabeth Maher Muoio
Issue Brief: Ammunition
Summary: Requires electronic reporting of handgun ammunition sales.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Law and Public Safety on March 20

Introduced: 03/15/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Michael Miller
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary:  Provides free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for residents who participated in the World Trade Center rescue and cleanup and who suffered a permanent disability.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on March 15

Introduced: 03/17/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Carrie Woerner, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a Preferred Management Tool
Summary:  Establishes the yearling buck protection program.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on March 17

Introduced: 03/17/2017
Sponsor: Senator Andrew J. Lanza, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Standard Capacity Magazines
Summary:  Amends the Penal Law; provides that large capacity ammunition devices shall only include those devices which hold more than 10 rounds.
Status: To Senate Committee on Codes on March 17

Introduced: 03/20/2017
Sponsor: Senator Tom O'Mara, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Crossbows; Hunting Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation
Summary:  Relates to deer and bear, open hunting seasons and implements, hunting age for big game, crossbows, pheasant and quail.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on March 20

Introduced: 02/08/2017
Sponsor: Representative David Maloney, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Hunter Education
Summary: Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking licenses; provides for eligibility for license.
Status: From House Committee on Game and Fisheries on March 21
 
Introduced: 02/23/2017
Sponsor: Representative Keith Gillespie, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Hunter Education
Summary: Amends Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking licenses; provides for a volunteer instructor license.
Status: From House Committee on Game and Fisheries on March 21
 
Introduced: 03/02/2017
Sponsor: Representative Bryan Barbin
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Amends Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fishing licenses; provides for exemptions from license requirements.
Status: From House Committee on Game and Fisheries on March 21
 
Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator John Eichelberger, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Amends Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, providing for power to set fees in fiscal affairs; provides for collection fee for uncollectible checks; in fishing licenses; provides for nonresident and tourist licenses, for one-day resident fishing license, for license, permit and issuing agent fees and for license and permit packaging options.
Status: From Senate Committee on Appropriations on March 21

Introduced: 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mario Scavello, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Amends the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Game provision, in hunting and fur-taking; provides for hunting on Sunday prohibited.
Status: To House Committee on Game and Fisheries on March 22

Introduced: 01/26/2017
Sponsor: Senator Pat Stefano, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Relates to Game; relates to Pennsylvania Game Commission; provides for powers and duties of commission and for accountability; relates to hunting and furtaking licenses; provides for license costs and fees and making an editorial change.
Status: From Senate Committee on Appropriations on March 21

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Representative Arthur J. Corvese
Issue Brief: Crossbows
Summary:  Legalizes the taking or killing of wild migratory birds by crossbow.
Status: In House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources: Committee recommends measure to be held for further study on March 16

Introduced: 03/01/2017
Sponsor: Representative David A. Bennett
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Would require any person who sustains an injury to themselves or causes an injury to another while hunting or trapping to report the injury to the department of environmental management immediately. This act would take effect upon passage.
Status: In House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources: Committee recommends measure to be held for further study on March 16

Introduced: 03/03/2017
Sponsor: SenatorKevin J. Mullin
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary:  Relates to awarding hunting and fishing licenses at no cost to persons 65 years of age or older.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife on March 21
 
Introduced: 03/03/2017
Sponsor: Senator John Rodgers, Co-Chair, Vermont Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species
Summary:  Relates to aquatic nuisance species control.
Status: Committee amendment adopted on Senate floor on March 22


SOUTHEASTSOUTHEASTERN STATES


Introduced:  02/07/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Tommy Hanes
Issue Brief:  College Student Hunting/Angling Licenses
Summary:  Relates to hunting and fishing; authorizes a nonresident student at an institution of higher education in this state to purchase resident hunting or fishing licenses under certain conditions.
Status:  Passed Senate on March 16.  To Governor on March 16

Introduced:  02/09/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Tim Melson
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Relates to issuance of annual stamps for waterfowl hunting; provides for the issuance of lifetime waterfowl stamps and to establish fees; authorizes for adjustment of the fees.
Status:  Reported favorably from House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry on March 15
 
Introduced:  03/14/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Greg Albritton
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Amends Sections 9-11-44, 9-11-45, 9-11-53, 9-11-53.1, 9-11-53.5, 9-11-56.3, and 9-11-71 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to hunting and fishing licenses; increases the age exemption to 75 years; allows certain residents who were born before a certain date to receive the exemption or who currently qualify for the exemption to maintain the exemption; provides a discounted license fee to certain persons born
Status:  To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Conservation on March 14

Introduced:  03/07/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Kristin Diane Jacobs
Issue Brief:  Marine Protected Areas
Summary:  Relates to coral reefs establishes Southeast State Coral Reef Ecosystem Protection Area; requires Coral Reef Conservation Program, in coordination with Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), to develop specified comprehensive management plan for area.
Status:  Reported favorably with amendment from House Natural Resources & Public Lands Subcommittee on March 20. Pending review of Committee Substitute under Rule 7.18(c) in House on March 21

Introduced:  03/07/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Bobby Powell
Issue Brief:  Budget Bills, General
Summary:  Relates to vessel registrations; revises a reduction of vessel registration fees for recreational vessels equipped with certain position indicating and locating beacons; deletes a registration date limitation; deletes an expiration date.
Status:  Reported favorably from Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax on March 21
 
Introduced:  02/01/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Trey Rhodes
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Relates to game and fish; revise definitions, license fees, and license requirements; amends Code Section 52-7-5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated; relates to numbering of vessels, requirements, and fees; revise boat registration fees and allow additional methods for reporting the sale of boats; corrects cross-references; provides for related matters; provides for an effective date and applicability; repeals conflicting laws.
Status:  Favorably reported as substituted from Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on March 16
 
Introduced:  03/16/2017
Sponsor:  Representative David Knight, Co-Chair, Georgia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Magnuson-Stevens Act
Summary:  Recommends that NOAA Fisheries rescind the closure of federal Waters of offshore for the period from April 15, 2017, through May 31, 2017, to allow anglers and saltwater fishing guides a fair and equitable opportunity to enjoy a public resource in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
 Status:  To House Committee on Game, Fish, and Parks on March 20
 
Introduced:  02/16/2017
Sponsor:  Representative David Osborne
Issue Brief:  Wolf in Sheep's Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups
Summary:  Relates to cruelty to animals in the second degree, to allow a court to order an offender to pay restitution for the upkeep of a horse involved in the offense and terminate the offender's interest in the horse involved in the offense.
Status:  To Governor on March 15
 
Introduced:  01/03/2017
Sponsor: Senator Tom Buford, Member, Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a Preferred Management Tool
Summary:  Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to undertake measures if deer and elk pose a significant risk to human safety from automobile accidents; identifies permissive measures for the department to implement including special hunts and issuance of more tags.
Status:  To Governor on March 15
 
Introduced:  01/19/2017
Sponsor: Senator Thomas A. Gollott, Member, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Provides that if a nonresident's domicile state has mandatory licensing requirements then the nonresident must meet those requirements before receiving a Mississippi nonresident commercial fishing license.
Status:  To Governor on March 21
 
Introduced:  01/13/2017
Sponsor: Senator Briggs Hopson, Member, Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Seniors/Vets
Summary:  Authorizes honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States with service-connected disabilities who are residents of this state to hunt and fish in this state without a license.
Status:  Senate refused to concur in House Amendments on March 21
 
Introduced:  02/23/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Charles Graham
Issue Brief:  Off Highway Vehicles
Summary:  Studies the damage caused to various types of properties from unauthorized use of an all-terrain vehicle.
Status:  To House Committee on Transportation on February 23
 
Introduced:  03/16/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Chuck McGrady,
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Clarifies certain powers of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources with respect to recreation and federal recreation-related funding and with respect to the North Carolina zoological park; changes the name of the clean water management trust fund to the North Carolina land and water preservation trust fund.
Status:  To House Committee on State and Local Government II on March 16
 
Introduced:  03/15/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Graig Meyer
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Prohibits hunting on private property in Orange County while under the influence of an impairing substance.
Status:  To House Committee on State and Local Government 1 on March 20

Introduced:  03/22/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Mike Clampitt
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Designates Swain County as the official location for trout fishing in North Carolina.
Status:  To House Committee on State and Local Government I on March 22

Introduced:  03/22/2017
Sponsor:  Representative William Richardson
Issue Brief:  Conservation Tax Incentives
Summary:  Provides space on the income tax return for individuals to make donations for the protection of land, water, and other natural resources.
Status:  To House Committee on Environment on March 22
 
Introduced:  02/20/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Andy Wells
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Removes safety hazards and restore the state's natural riverine resources by facilitating the removal of obsolete and unwanted dams.
Status:  Re-referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources on March 16
 
Introduced:  03/15/2017
Sponsor: Senator Tom McInnis, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Creates a coyote tagging and bounty program in Richmond County.
Status:  Re-referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources on March 22
 
Introduced:  03/21/2017
Sponsor: Representative Mike Pitts, National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses Executive Council Past President; Member, South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Conservation Funding
Summary:  Places the Conservation Bank under the Department of Natural Resources; provides that the board of the Department of Natural Resources will serve as the board for the conservation bank; creates the Carolina Conservation Bank advisory board; establishes certain powers and duties for the advisory board; authorizes the conservation bank to undertake certain actions to preserve and protect natural resources; establishes certain conservation criteria.
Status:  To House Committee on Ways and Means on March 21
 
Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Jay Reedy, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General License, Budget Bills
Summary:  Relates to licenses; allows the wildlife resources agency to be reimbursed for lost revenue resulting from the issuance of free or partially discounted combination hunting and fishing licenses to persons on or after a specified date.
Status:  Referred to Subcommittee on Finance, Ways and Means in House Committee on Finance,, Ways and Means

Introduced:  02/9/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Mike Bell, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Budget Bills
Summary:  Relates to Gasoline Taxes; relates to Petroleum Products; requires the commissioner of revenue to annually provide projected gas tax distributions to the wildlife resources fund for the ensuing 3 fiscal years to the executive director of the wildlife resources agency.
Status:  Referred to General Subcommittee in Senate Committee on Transportation and Safety on March 21
 
Introduced:  02/9/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Steve Southerland, Member, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Firearm Suppressors
Summary:  Relates to Weapons; enacts the Hearing Protection Act, which deletes the prohibition on possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of a firearm silencer.
Status:  Senate Committee on Judiciary recommend passage on March 21.  To Senate Committee on Calendar on March 21
 
Introduced:  02/9/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Mae Beavers
Issue Brief:  Ammunition Restrictions (non-lead); Outdoor Sporting Goods Tax Holiday
Summary:  Relates to tax exemptions and credits; creates a Second Amendment sales tax holiday for the first weekend of September of each year for firearms and ammunition.
Status:  To Senate Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means with negative recommendation on March 15
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor:  Delegate Bobby Orrock
Issue Brief:  Wolf in Sheep's Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups      
Summary:  Relates to cats and dogs; relates to lifetime licenses; authorizes the governing body of a county or city to provide for a lifetime dog or cat license; removes the minimum annual tax for a dog or cat, sets the maximum tax for a lifetime license at $50, and limits the fee for a duplicate dog or cat tag to $1.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 16. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 559
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor:  Delegate Gordon Helsel
Issue Brief:  General License    
Summary:  Relates to Marine Resources Commission; relates to registration as commercial fisherman; relates to family member or employee; directs the Marine Resources Commission to grant a preference for an exception to the two-year delay in the effective date of a registration as a commercial fisherman; requires the preference to benefit a license applicant who is a member of the immediate family or a documented employee of commercial fisherman who is retiring.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 339
 
Introduced: 01/11/2017
Sponsor:  Delegate Gordon Helsel
Issue Brief:  Enforcement
Summary:  Relates to Marine Resources Commission; relates to licenses; relates to revocation; provides that when the Marine Resources Commission (the Commission) revokes fishing privileges for a violation of the tidal fisheries law, it shall only revoke the particular type of license that is applicable to the fishery in which the violation occurred; provides that under current law, the Commission is authorized to revoke all of the fishing privileges a person has been granted.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 20. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 630
 
Introduced: 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Delegate James E. Edmunds, Co-Chair, Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Relates to slingbow hunting; relates to license; authorizes the use of a slingbow to hunt small and big game when a hunter is licensed to hunt with a bow and arrow.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 16. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 530
 
Introduced: 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Delegate James E. Edmunds, Co-Chair, Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to hunting apparel; relates to blaze pink; allows hunters to wear blaze pink instead of blaze orange hunting apparel when required during firearms deer hunting season or the special season for hunting deer with a muzzle-loading rifle.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 347
 
Introduced: 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Delegate James E. Edmunds, Co-Chair, Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Relates to hunting of big game species; relates to licenses; creates separate licenses to hunt each big game species, as defined by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, instead of one license for all big game species.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 353

Introduced: 01/17/2017
Sponsor:  Delegate C. Matt Farris
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to dangerous dogs; removes the requirement that a law-enforcement officer or animal control officer apply for a summons requiring a dog owner to appear before a general district court when the officer has reason to believe that the dog is dangerous; relates to cases where a dog has bitten a cat or dog; requires investigation by an officer for certain exemptions from the definition of dangerous dog to apply and removes an exemption for good cause as determined by a court.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 396.
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor:  Senator William Stanley
Issue Brief:  Wolf in Sheep's Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups      
Summary:  Relates to pet shops; relates to procurement of dogs from unlicensed dealers; prohibits any companion animal dealer who is not licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture from selling any dog to a pet shop.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 399.
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator Richard H. Stuart
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to boating safety course; relates to database listing operators who have passed course; directs the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (the Department) to create a database listing the name and date of birth of every person who has at any time passed an approved boating safety course; requires a law-enforcement officer to search the database for the identity of a motorboat operator if the operator states that he has complied with the requirements for boating safety education.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 360
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator Scott A. Surovell
Issue Brief:  Invasive Species, Enforcement
Summary:  Relates to introduction of snakehead fish; relates to penalty; prohibits the introduction of snakehead fish from any location into state Waters; provides that current law only prohibits the introduction of snakehead fish from outside the Commonwealth.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 361
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator A. Benton Chafin 
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Relates to hunting license; relates to bear, deer, or turkey; relates to electronic carry; removes the requirement that a license to hunt bear, deer, or turkey be carried in paper form, allowing it to be carried by electronic or computerized means.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 363
 
Introduced: 01/10/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Richard H. Stuart
Issue Brief:  Public Access to Private Lands
Summary:  Relates to landowner liability; relates to recreational access; provides that a landowner who has entered into an agreement with a public entity or nonprofit concerning the use of his land for public recreation shall be immune from liability to a member of the public arising out of the recreational use of the land.
Status: Signed by Governor on March 13. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 366
 
Introduced:  02/09/2017
Sponsor:  Delegate Kelli Sobonya
Issue Brief:  General     
Summary:  Relates to authorizing the Dangerous Wild Animal Board to promulgate a legislative rule relating to Dangerous Wild Animals.
Status:  Reported in Committee on March 22. Substituted for House Bill 2219
 
Introduced:  03/14/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Jason Harshbarger, Member, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus 
Issue Brief:  Enforcement
Summary:  Relates to criminal penalties for the offenses of hunting, trapping or fishing on the lands of another person.
Status:  From House Committee on Judiciary: Do pass substituted on March 22

Introduced:  03/14/2017
Sponsor:  Delegate Isaac Sponaugle
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Imposes a tax on cattle which is to be used to help fund the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services Fund.
Status:  To House Committee on Finance on March 17
 
Introduced:  03/17/2017
Sponsor:  Delegate Martin Atkinson
Issue Brief:  Enforcement.
Summary:  Creates a misdemeanor for violation of catching, taking or killing fish within two hundred feet of agency personnel stocking fish into public waters.
Status:  From House Committee on Judiciary: Do pass on March 22

Introduced:  02/08/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Craig Blair
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Transfers Division of Forestry from Department of Commerce to Department of Agriculture.
Status:  In Senate: Read second time on March 23

Introduced:  02/28/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark R. Maynard, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to state ownership of wildlife.
Status:  To House Committee on Judiciary on March 17
 
Introduced:  02/28/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark R. Maynard, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Permits bear hunting with guides.
Status:  Passed Senate. To House on March 23

Introduced:  02/28/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark R. Maynard, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary: Exempts names of licensed hunters from public disclosure.
Status:  To House Committee on Judiciary on March 17
 
Introduced:  03/07/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark R. Maynard, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General, Hunting with Dogs
Summary: Authorizes tracking of wounded or injured bear or deer.
Status:  To House Committee on Judicary on March 17
 
Introduced:  03/10/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Charles Trump
Issue Brief:  Range Protection
Summary: Limits nuisance actions against shooting ranges for noise.
Status:  To House Committee on Judiciary on March 17


MIDWESTMIDWESTERN STATES

Introduced:  02/15/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Trevor Drown
Issue Brief: Public  Access to Private Lands
Summary: Concerns private real property rights; protects natural resources, agricultural resources, and historical artifacts; deters criminal activity on a person's real property; concerns the offense of criminal trespass.
Status: Amended on Senate floor on March 22
 
Introduced: 02/27/2017
Sponsor: Representative Marcus Richmond, Member, Arkansas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Substandard Kennels
Summary: Creates the protection for dog owners act; defines deceptive trade practices for dog sales; creates the professional and direct-sell dog breeder act; requires registration of dog breeders; establishes standards for dog breeder businesses
Status: Withdrawn by Author on March 21
 
Introduced: 03/06/2017
Sponsor: Representative Kim Hammer
Issue Brief: Resources for Managing Feral Swine
Summary: Creates the feral hog eradication task force.
Status: Passed House and referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development on March 20
 
Introduced:  03/06/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Bob Johnson
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary: Provides fishing licensure flexibility for individuals with mental disabilities.
Status: From House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development: Do Pass on March 15
 
Introduced: 03/02/2017
Sponsor: Senator Terry Rice
Issue Brief: Feral Hogs
Summary: Protects private property owners and lessees who capture a feral hog on private property.
Status: To Governor on March 22
 
Introduced: 02/08/2017
Sponsor: Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that except as provided in the Code, it is unlawful to have in his or her possession the green hides of fur bearing mammals without a valid hunting or trapping license; provides that the annual fee for each resident fur buyer's permit shall be a specified amount; provides that all fur Buyers and non-resident auction participants shall maintain records of the receipt, collection, purchase, and sale of green hides of fur-bearing mammals; provides that a record of each.
Status: From House Committee on Agriculture and Conservation: Approved for consideration - Amendment No. 1 on March 22
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jerry Costello, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Crossbows
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that any person may use a crossbow to take wildlife during the appropriate archery season; repeals crossbow provisions limiting the use of crossbows to specified conditions, together with a related definition.
Status: From House Committee on Rules: Recommended be adopted. Amendment No. 2 on March 21
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Avery Bourne
Issue Brief:  Licenses (General)
Summary:  Amends the Wildlife Code; defines hunting license as an electronic or physical license authorizing the person to take a certain type of animal during a specified period of time.
Status:  To Senate Committee on Assignments on March 17

Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Thomas Bennett
Issue Brief: Conservation Tax Incentives, General
Summary: Creates the Natural Areas Stewardship Act; creates the Land Conservation and Stewardship Grant Program to make grants to conservation land trusts to steward lands identified in the Natural Area Inventory, lands designated as a buffer area, lands designated as a nature preserve, or lands registered as an Land and Water Reserve; establishes the duties of the Department of Natural Resources in carrying out the provisions of the Act.
Status: From House Committee on Rules: Referred to House Appropriations - General Services Committee Amendment No. 2. on March 21

Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Katie Stuart
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code; provides that the respective fees for resident fishing, combination sportsmen, and hunting licenses are waived for current and retired State, municipal, and local law enforcement officers
Status: In House. Placed on Calendar Order second Reading on March 22

Introduced: 01/30/2017
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to trap or to hunt with gun, dog, dog and gun, or bow and arrow, gray fox, red fox, raccoon, weasel, mink, muskrat, badger, bobcat, and opossum except during the open season which will be set annually by the Director to start at specified dates and times.
Status: Re-referred to Assignments Committee on March 17
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Guns (General), Hunter Education
Summary: Repeals the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act; amends various Acts to make conforming changes.
Status: Re-referred to Assignments Committee on March 17
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Crossbows
Summary:  Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that any person may use a crossbow to take any animal during the appropriate archery season.
Status:  In Senate. Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established as April 7, 2017
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides in various provisions an exemption to carry a firearm on Department of Natural Resources property in accordance with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.
Status: Re-referred to Assignments Committee on March 17
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Julie Morrison
Issue Brief: Firearms Preemption
Summary: Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act; provides that the regulation of the possession or ownership of dangerous and unusual weapons are exclusive Powers of the State and any ordinance or regulation that purports to regulate the possession or ownership of a dangerous and unusual weapon in a manner inconsistent with the Act shall be invalid; defines dangerous and unusual weapon.
Status: In Senate. Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established as April 7, 2017
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Dale Fowler
Issue Brief: Licenses (General), Angling Access, Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that the Director of the Department of Natural Resources shall establish an open season for the taking of deer with shogun, handgun, or muzzleloading rifle which shall be at least 10 consecutive days.
Status: Re-referred to Assignments Committee on March 17
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Chapin Rose, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Guns (General), Hunter Education
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that a person may supplementally feed deer with items otherwise prohibited by the Code when not in active deer hunting season which shall be implemented by the Department of Natural Resources by rule.
Status: In Senate. Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established as April 7, 2017
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Kyle McCarter
Issue Brief:  Firearms Preemption
Summary:  Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act; provides that the regulation of the possession or ownership of a rifle or shotgun are exclusive Powers and functions of this State; provides that any ordinance or regulation, or portion of that ordinance or regulation, that purports to regulate the possession or ownership of any rifle or shotgun in a manner that is inconsistent with this Act, shall be invalid .
Status:  Re-referred to Assignments Committee on March 17
 
Introduced: 02/28/2017
Sponsor:  House Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief:  White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a Preferred Management Tool
Summary:  Relates to the use of a straight wall cartridge rifle to hunt deer; includes penalties.
Status:  From Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment: Do Pass on March 21

Introduced: 03/09/2017
Sponsor: House Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Increases certain fees and reallocates certain revenues related to hunting, fishing, and fur harvesting; includes effective date provisions.
Status: In House Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee assignments; Sieck, Chair, Prichard, Windschitl on March 21
 
Introduced: 03/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Bobby Kaufman
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding, Conservation Sales Tax
Summary: Relates to water quality; increases the sales and use tax rates; amends the natural resources and outdoor recreation trust fund; establishes transfers to the fund; reduces the individual income tax rates; creates a water service excise tax and related sales tax exemption; establishes transfers of the excise tax revenues; amends the wastewater treatment financial assistance program; makes appropriations; includes effective date and other applicability provisions.
Status: To House Committee on Ways and Means on March 20
 
Introduced: 02/15/2017
Sponsor:  Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee
Issue Brief:  Fishing Tournaments
Summary:  Relates to bass fishing in the state.
Status:  From House Committee on Natural Resources: Do Pass on March 22
 
Introduced: 03/20/17
Sponsor : Senator Barrow Peacock
Issue Brief: Outdoor Sporting Goods Tax Holiday
Summary: Provides for items eligible for the 2nd Amendment Sale Tax Holiday.
Status : Prefiled to Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs on March 20
 
Introduced: 03/21/2017
Sponsor:  Representative John Bizon
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary:  Provides for waiver of recreational passport fees in vehicle code for totally disabled veterans without special registration plates.
Status: To House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs on March 21
 
Introduced:  02/15/17
Sponsor: Representative John Proos, Member, Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Invasive Species
Summary:  Supports the recommendations of the Chicago Area Waterway System Advisory Committee to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
Status: To House Committee on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation on March 23
 
Introduced: 03/22/2017
Sponsor: Senator Steve Bieda, Member, Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Budget Bill
Summary: Opposes slashing federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Status: To Senate Committee on Government Operations on March 22
 
Introduced:  03/15/17
Sponsor: Senator Rick Jones, Member, Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Invasive Species
Summary:  Supports the Attorney General's opposition to federal legislation that would weaken federal and state ballast water laws.
Status: To Senate Committee on Natural Resources on March 15
 
Introduced:  0 2/15/17
Sponsor:  Representative Joshua Heintzeman
Issue Brief: Budget Bill
Summary:  Relates to natural resources; appropriates money from environment and natural resources trust fund; modifies requirements for receipt of fund money.
Status: Rereferred to House Committee on Ways and Means on March 20
 
Introduced:  0 2/10/17
Sponsor:  Senator Carrie Ruud
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Relates to natural resources; modifies off-highway vehicle provisions; modifies invasive species provisions; modifies provisions to take, possess, and transport wildlife; modifies blaze orange hunting requirements to allow blaze pink.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance on March 17
 
Introduced: 02/23/17
Sponsor:  Senator Justin Eichorn
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary:  Relates to natural resources; modifies enforcement and penalty provisions; provides criminal penalties.
Status: Rereferred to Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance on March 20
 
Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Mike Hilgers
Issue Brief:  Guns (General), Firearms Preemption
Summary:  Prohibits certain regulations of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories by counties, cities, and villages as prescribed.
Status:  From Legislative Committee on Government, Military and Veterans Affairs: Placed on General File as Amended on March 17
 
Introduced: 01/18/2017
Sponsor: Senator Paul Schumacher, Member, Nebraska Legislative Sportsmen's Forum
Issue Brief: Knife Preemption
Summary: Defines the term knife for certain provisions of the criminal code.
Status: From Legislative Committee on Judiciary: Placed on General File on March 20
 
Introduced: 01/18/2017
Sponsor: Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact
Summary: Adopted the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact.
Status: Placed on Select File as amended on March 23
 
Introduced:  01/09/17
Sponsor: Representative Todd Porter, Co-Chair, North Dakota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Apprentice Hunting License
Summary:  Relates to youth hunting and the protection of Bald Eagles.
Status:  Passed Senate. To House for concurrence on March 23

Introduced: 01/2317
Sponsor:  Senator Shawn Vedaa
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Relates to identification of fishhouses and coyote snares.
Status: Passed House. To Senate for concurrence on March 16
 
Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor: Representative John Enns, Member, Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Exotic  Invasive Species
Summary: Relates to agriculture; relates to wildlife services; updates agency name; includes feral swine in wildlife damage management; specifies management shall include damage to resources; provides collected parts or byproducts of commercial value shall be sold; specifies type of firearm certain agents authorized to carry; requires background check and training; provides an effective date.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture and Wildlife on March 20
 
Introduced:  02/06/17
Sponsor : Representative Sean Roberts
Issue Brief:  Exotic Invasive Species
Summary: Relates to game and fish; relates to removal of feral swine; exempts persons who remove feral swine from the requirement to obtain a license; amends definition; makes technical corrections; relates to Feral Swine Control Act; provides an effective date.
Status : Pass House, to Senate on March 22
 
Introduced: 02/06/2017
Sponsor: Representative John Paul Jordan
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Relates to tags for bears; provides that certain persons shall not be required to attach a tag to a killed bear and shall not be required to purchase a tag for a bear.
Status: Passed House, to Senate on March 22

Introduced: 02/06/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jeff Coody
Issue Brief: Firearms Preemption
Summary: Relates to firearms; relates to the Oklahoma Firearms Act of 1971; clarifies preemption provision and certain mandate; modifies requirements for persons filing civil actions; provides for reasonable expenses under certain circumstances; relates to firearm and ammunition components.
Status: Passed House, to Senate on March 20
 
Introduced: 02/06/2017
Sponsor: Senator Josh Brecheen, Member, Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Hunter Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation
Summary: Relates to hunting; relates to hunting licenses; creates youth-family-of-resident licenses for certain nonresidents; provides an effective date.
Status: Passed Senate, to House on March 21
 
Introduced: 02/16/2017
Sponsor: Representative Trent Ashby, Member, Texas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Relates to fee waivers for certain hunting and fishing licenses for volunteer firefighters
Status : To House Committee On Culture, Recreation, And Tourism on March 13
 
Introduced: 03/09/2017
Sponsor: Representative Mark Keough
Issue Brief: Resources for Managing Feral Swine 
Summary: Relates to the taking of certain feral hogs and coyotes using a hot air balloon.
Status: Introduced on March 9    
 
Introduced: 01/10/17
Sponsor: Representative Ryan Guillen, Member, Texas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Dedicated Sales Tax on Outdoor Gear
Summary: Proposes a constitutional amendment relating to the appropriation of the net revenue received from the imposition of the state sales and use tax on sporting goods.
Status: To House Committee on Appropriations on March 20
 
Introduced: 03/08/2017
Sponsor: Senator Craig Estes, Member, Texas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Range Protection
Summary: Relates to the liability of a sport shooting range.
Status: To Senate Committee on State Affairs on March 20
 
Introduced: 03/08/2017
Sponsor: Senator Kirk Watson
Issue Brief: Resources for Managing Feral Swine
Summary: Relates to the study and approval of lethal pesticides for feral hog control.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs on March 20
 
Introduced: 0 3/09/17
Sponsor: Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa
Issue Brief: Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Management
Summary: Encourages Congress to pass legislation allowing the state to manage the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery out to 200 nautical miles.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs on March 21
 
Introduced: 02/06/17
Sponsor: Representative Adam Jarchow
Issue Brief: Chronic Wasting Disease
Summary: Relates to rules that prohibit feeding deer in certain counties.
Status: Public hearing held on March 15
 
Introduced: 02/06/17
Sponsor: Representative Joel Kleefisch, Co-Chair, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Relates to an exemption for resident disabled veterans and for recipients of the purple heart medal from the cumulative preference system for issuing wild turkey hunting licenses and tags.
Status: Public hearing held on March 15
 
Introduced: 03/20/17
Sponsor: Representative  Mary Felzkowski
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to regulation of aquaculture and fish farms; relates to providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; grants rule-making authority.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage on March 20
 
Introduced: 03/07/17
Sponsor: Senator Terry Moulton, Co-Chair, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to regulation of aquaculture and fish farms; provides an exemption from emergency rule procedures; grants rule-making authority.
Status: In Senate. Amendment No. 1 offered on March 21


WESTWESTERN STATES  


Introduced:  02/13/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Marie Waldron, Member, California Outdoor Sporting Caucus
Issue Brief: Licenses (General),
Summary:  Raises the age at which a person is required to obtain a sport fishing license to 18 years of age or older.
Status:  To Committee on Appropriations on March 21

Introduced:  02/16/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member James Gallagher, Member, California Outdoor Sporting Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary:  Requires a resident or a nonresident, 16 years of age or older, upon payment of the fee, to be issued a sport fishing license for the period of 12 consecutive months. Requires the department to reduce the fee required to obtain the specified licenses by 25% for a person who is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, was honorably discharged, and is a resident of California.
Status:  From Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife: Do pass to Committee on Appropriations on March 21
 
Introduced:  12/05/2016
Sponsor:  Senator Ben Allen
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Establishes a policy of the state to discourage conveyances of federal public lands in California from the federal government. Specifies that these conveyances are void ab initio unless the state lands commission is provided the right of first refusal or the right to arrange the transfer to a third party. Require the commission, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to enter into a memorandum of understanding. Prohibits filing such deed. Provides penalties for violations.
Status: In Senate. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Committee on Judiciary on March 20

Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor: Senator Tom Berryhill, Co-Chair, California Outdoor Sporting Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Prohibits a local agency from adopting or enforcing an ordinance to regulate fishing. Authorizes any person to bring an action against a local agency for a violation of the prohibition. Requires the court to award attorney's fees to a party who prevails in an action and to award damages, including punitive damages.
Status: Re-referred to Senate Rules Committee
 
Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor: Senator Anthony J. Portantino
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Amends an existing law which prohibits a person from making more than one application to purchase a handgun within any a certain period. Makes the prohibition and a certain dealer delivery prohibition applicable to all types of firearms. Excepts from that prohibition the purchase of a firearm by a person who possesses a valid, unexpired hunting license, and the acquisition of a firearm at specified charity fundraising events.
Status: Re-referred to Senate Committee on Public Safety on March 20
 
Introduced:  01/23/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Kaniela Ing
Issue Brief: General 
Summary:  Establishes a goal for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to designate and adopt rules for the management of no fewer than four community-based subsistence fishing areas by December 31, 2020; establishes designation process and rule requirements.
Status:  From Senate Committee on Water and Land: Do pass as amended on March 22
 
Introduced:  03/02/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Matt LoPresti
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to conduct statewide public outreach regarding the establishment of a noncommercial marine fishing registry, permit, or license system in Hawaii.
Status:  In House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources, and Hawaiian Affairs: Voted do pass on March 21

Introduced : 02/10/2017
Sponsor: House Resources and Conservation Committee
Issue Brief : Enforcement
Summary : Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding records of; provides for the seizure and confiscation of wildlife or portions thereof in the possession of under certain conditions.
Status : To Governor on March 21
 
Introduced : 02/14/2017
Sponsor: House Committee on Resources and Conservation
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Amends existing law to revise moneys to be deposited into the Set-aside Account.
Status : Passed Senate on March 17

Introduced : 02/14/2017
Sponsor: House Resources and Conservation Committee
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding Idaho's primacy over the management of its wildlife and water resources; provides that any introduction or reintroduction without state consultation and approval is prohibited.
Status : To Governor on March 21
 
Introduced : 02/24/2017
Sponsor: House Committee on Resources and Conservation
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Amends existing law to increase the sticker fee for the boats of nonresidents.
Status : Passed Senate on March 17

Introduced : 03/1/2017
Sponsor: House Health and Welfare Committee
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the use of sums for fishing access; revises provisions relating to moneys paid into the set-aside account; provides for the use of moneys derived from certain license endorsements; revises provisions relating to the transfer of certain amounts from the expendable big game depredation fund; revises conditions and requirements regarding payment for certain damages due to depredation.
Status : Passed Senate on March 17
 
Introduced : 03/16/2017
Sponsor: House Ways and Means Committee
Issue Brief : Invasive Species
Summary : States findings of the Legislature; urges Congress to appropriate $8 million for fiscal year 2018 to protect the Pacific Northwest against invasive mussels.
Status : Passed Senate on March 22
 
Introduced : 01/24/2017
Sponsor: Senate Resources and Environment Committee
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Amends existing law to revise certain license, tag and permit provisions; provides for grizzly bear tags; requires taxidermist and fur buyer's licenses for those that engage in the business of buying certain skins and parts of specified animals; requires the retention of records for those who purchase certain skins and parts of specified animals; revises reporting requirements regarding the taking of certain wolves.
Status : Signed into law on March 16
 
Introduced : 02/27/2017
Sponsor: Senate State Affairs Committee
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Amends existing law to provide that individuals or landowners that have been issued a kill permit by the director of the Department of or his designee may, in conjunction with their responsibility for field dressing the animals taken, keep one animal for their personal use; provides that under certain conditions a second animal subsequently taken may be kept by the individual or landowner.
Status : Signed by Speaker on March 22

Introduced : 03/3/2017
Sponsor: Senate Finance Committee
Issue Brief : Budget Bills
Summary : Appropriates $102,551,800 to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2018; limits the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions to 558; appropriates an additional $125,000 to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2017 for depredation payments.
Status : Passed House on March 16
 
Introduced : 11/4/2016
Sponsor: Senator Jeffrey Welborn, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Revises hunting license laws related to preference point system; relates to fish and wildlife.
Status : Draft in for input and proofing on March 20

Introduced : 12/5/2016
Sponsor: Office of Senator Margie MacDonald
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Extends vehicle registration fees for parks and fishing access to additional vehicles; relates to motor vehicles; relates to recreation, parks, sports.
Status : Draft delivered to requester on March 20
 
Introduced : 12/12/2016
Sponsor: Representative Mike Cuffe, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Exotic Invasive Species
Summary : Revises aquatic invasive species; relates to environmental protection; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to water.
Status : Draft to requester for input on March 20
 
Introduced : 01/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Bob Brown, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Revises laws related to the production of fish from the Fort Peck hatchery; eliminates the requirement to use water from a dredge cut; eliminates the limitation on the production of cold water fish.
Status : To Governor on March 21
 
Introduced : 01/23/2017
Sponsor: Representative Bill Harris, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Revises laws related to county bounties on predators; allows counties to establish the dollar amount of bounties; revises funding sources for bounties; revises the term of the county livestock fee; revises appointment of bounty inspectors.
Status : Signed by Governor on March 20
 
Introduced : 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jeff Essmann, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General License
Summary : Revises laws related to nonresident relative hunting and fishing licenses; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to state revenue; relates to rule making.
Status : Tabled on March 21
 
Introduced : 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Representative Steve Lavin, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General License
Summary : Revises nonresident college student big game combination license fee; relates to colleges; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to state revenue.
Status : Tabled on March 21
 
Introduced : 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Kelly Flynn, Member, Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Creates Montana wildlife habitat improvement act; relates to appropriations; relates to environmental protection; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to rule making.
Status : Referred to Senate Committee on Fish and Game on March 17
 
Introduced : 01/2/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark Blasdel, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Allows online sale of raffle tickets by non-profit organizations.
Status : Free Conference Committee report received by House on March 17
 
Introduced : 01/2/2017
Sponsor: Senator JP Pomnichowski, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General License
Summary : Allows electronic validation of electronic hunting licenses or tags for game animals and wild turkeys; excludes the collection of hunter location data through the use of a global positioning system.
Status : Signed by Governor on March 15
 
Introduced : 01/6/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jedediah Hinkle, Co-Chair, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Enforcement
Summary : Clarifies what constitutes as shooting from a vehicle for hunting purposes; relates to fish and wildlife.
Status : Returned from enrolling on March 17
 
Introduced : 02/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jedediah Hinkle, Co-Chair, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General License
Summary : Revises laws related to discounted Fish, Wildlife & Parks licenses for certain nonresidents; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to state revenue; relates to rule making.
Status : Received do pass as amended recommendation in House Committee on Fish, Wildlife, and Parks on March 21
 
Introduced : 01/30/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mike Lang, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General License
Summary : Prohibits sale of fishing, hunting or trapping licenses for failure to pay child support and other support debt or support obligation; relates to family law; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to state revenue.
Status : Passed 2nd reading in Senate on March 21
 
Introduced : 01/31/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jill Cohenour, Co-Chair, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Prohibits use of out of state urine as cover scent; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to rule making.
Status : Passed 2nd reading in Senate on March 20
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jill Cohenour, Co-Chair, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Prohibits importing certain animal body parts from chronic wasting disease states; relates to crimes; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to state revenue; relates to rule making.
Status : Passed 2nd reading in Senate on March 20
 
Introduced : 02/9/2017
Sponsor: Senator Patrick Connell
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Revises the apprentice hunter program; clarifies that persons younger than twelve years of age who complete a hunter safety and education course are eligible; changes mentor requirements for those eighteen years of age and older; prohibits an apprentice hunter from obtaining a black bear, mountain lion, or wolf license; extends rulemaking authority.
Status : Referred to House Committee on Natural Resources on March 20
 
Prefiled:  07/12/2016
Sponsor:  Office of Parks
Issue Brief: Animal Traps
Summary:  Requires the registration of traps, snares or similar devices used in the taking of wild mammals.
Status:  Assigned Senate Bill No. 364 on March 20
 
Prefiled:  07/12/2016
Sponsor:  Office of Parks
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Makes various changes related to trapping.
Status:  Assigned Senate Bill No. 365 on March 20
 
Prefiled:  08/01/2016
Sponsor: Senator Pete Goichocea, Member, Nevada Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Revises provisions related to hunting.
Status:  Assigned Senate Bill No. 370 on March 20
 
Prefiled:  02/15/2017
Sponsor: Assemblyman Ira Hansen, Co-Chair, Nevada Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Makes various changes relating to wildlife.
Status:  Assigned Assembly Bill No. 332 on March 20
 
Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor:  Nevada Secretary of State
Issue Brief: Right to Hunt and Fish
Summary:  (Constitutional Amendment - 2015 SJR 11) Proposes to amend the Nevada Constitution to preserve the right to hunt, trap and fish in this State.
Status:  To Senate Committee on Natural Resources on February 6
 
Introduced : 01/17/2017
Sponsor : Representative Alonzo Baldonado, Member, New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Enforcement
Summary : Relates to game and fish; provides stricter penalties for major violations in unlawful taking of big game and waste of game.
Status : Passed Senate on March 17     
           
Introduced : 01/17/2017
Sponsor : Senator Mimi Stewart
Issue Brief : Ivory
Summary : Relates to wildlife; enacts the wildlife trafficking act; provides powers and duties; prohibits certain actions; makes trafficking of animal species threatened with extinction a crime; provides exceptions; prescribes penalties.
Status : Passed House on March 17
 
Introduced : 01/30/2017
Sponsor : Senator Jeff Steinborn
Issue Brief : Anti
Summary : Relates to animals; prohibits coyote-killing contests; defines coyote-killing contest.
Status : Failed - Adjourned
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Knute Buehler
Issue Brief : Game Meat Donation Programs
Summary : Modifies requirements relating to donating game meat to charitable organizations.
Status : Received recommendation of do pass as amended in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 20
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brad Witt, Co-Chair, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Apprentice Hunting
Summary : Expands state apprentice hunting program.
Status : Work Session scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 30
 
Introduced : 02/12/2017
Sponsor: Representative Paul Holvey
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Requires State Board of Forestry to establish criteria for preserving natural resource values on forestland; requires forest management plan for certain forestlands; requires that plan include provision for establishment of late successional and old-growth forest area; establishes certification program for preparers of forest management plans; requires timber harvest plan prior to commencing timber harvesting operation on forestland; establishes riparian management area requirements for waterways on/.
Status : Public hearing scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 30
 
Introduced : 03/2/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brian Clem, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Establishes Oregon Agricultural Heritage Fund and continuously appropriates moneys in fund to Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; authorizes use of moneys for purposes associated with supporting use of land for agricultural production, maintenance or enhancement of fish or wildlife habitat, improvement of water quality or support of other natural resource values; establishes programs to provide grants for qualifying conservation management plans, working land conservation covenants or working land.
Status : Public hearing scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on April 4
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Oregon Department of Administrative Services
Issue Brief : Budget Bills
Summary : Appropriates moneys from General Fund to State Department of Fish and Wildlife for certain biennial expenses; limits certain biennial expenditures from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts and federal funds from Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, but excluding lottery funds and other federal funds, collected or received by department.
Status : Public hearings scheduled in Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources on March 27, 28, and 29
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Senator Bill Hansell, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Deer Management
Summary : Requires State Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt pilot program for urban deer population control; requires State Department of Fish and Wildlife to report to Legislative Assembly on implementation of pilot program during 2027 regular session; sunsets January 1, 2029.
Status : Work session scheduled in Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on March 30
 
Introduced : 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brian Blake, Co-Chair, Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Increases revenue to the state wildlife account by increasing commercial fishing license fees and streamlining wholesale fish dealing, buying, and selling requirements.
Status : Public hearing held on February 20
 
Introduced : 01/19/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jim Honeyford
Issue Brief : Invasive Species
Summary : Concerns aquatic invasive species management.
Status : Executive action taken by Committee on March 16
 
Introduced : 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Senator Joe Fain
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Concerns the humane treatment of dogs.
Status : Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Judiciary
 
Introduced : 01/23/2017
Sponsor: Senator Phil Fortunato, Co-Chair, Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Access to Private Lands
Summary : Concerns the development of cooperative agreements to expand recreational access on privately owned lands.
Status : Indefinitely postponed in Senate Rules Committee on March 21
 
Introduced : 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Senator Phil Fortunato, Co-Chair, Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Concerns expanding the permitted uses of surplus funds from boater education card fees to certain boating safety programs and activities.
Status : Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Appropriations 
 
Introduced : 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Senator Kirk Pearson, Member, Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Initiates proactive steps to address elk hoof disease.
Status : Executive Action taken in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 22
 
Introduced : 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jamie Pedersen
Issue Brief : Guns
Summary : Relates to background checks for firearms sales or transfers, but only with respect to clarifying that the term firearm does not include flare guns and construction tools; clarifies that the term transfer does not include transfers between an entity and its employee or agents for lawful purposes in the ordinary course of business; defines licensed collector and curio or relic, expanding the family member exemption to include loans and parents-in-law and siblings-in-law; provides exemptions.
Status : Received recommendation of do pass as amended in House Committee on Judiciary on March 16
 
Introduced : 02/7/2017
Sponsor: Senator Maralyn Chase
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Requests Congress to provide the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries with sufficient resources to expedite its endangered species act and national environmental policy act review of Puget Sound hatchery and genetic management plans and that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries prioritize and conduct immediate review and approval of Puget Sound hatchery and genetic management plans.
Status : Public hearing scheduled in House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on March 29
        SCI SCI 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 visit: 
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 Director 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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