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 
April 10, 2017

NORTHEASTNORTHEASTERN STATES


Introduced: 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Robert C. Sampson, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Guns (General)
Summary:  Repeals gun control legislation enacted in 2013.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on April 7

Introduced: 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Caroline Simmons
Issue Brief: Guns (General)
Summary:  Concerns the presentation of a carry permit; requires individuals openly carrying to produce their permit if their firearm is visible and if requested by a law enforcement officer.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on April 7

Introduced: 01/24/2017
Sponsor: Representative Doug Dubitsky, Member, Connecticut Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Guns (General)
Summary:  Concerns permit and certificate to carry a firearm reciprocity; secures permit or certificate reciprocity between Connecticut and other States that have substantially similar standards for carrying a concealed firearm.
Status: Failed Joint Favorable deadline on April 7
 
Introduced: 01/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Peter A. Lyford, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  This bill repeals the prohibition against baiting deer.
Status: In Senate. Placed in Legislative File (dead) on April 11
 
Introduced: 01/27/2017
Sponsor: Representative Robert W. Alley
Issue Brief: Hunting with Dogs; Bear Hunting
Summary:  Removes the prohibition on training hunting dogs on bear in those portions of Washington County and Hancock County that are situated south of Route 9.
Status: In Senate. Placed in Legislative File (dead) on April 11
 
Introduced: 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Meagan Simonaire
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Provides for complimentary hunting and fishing licenses to active military, former prisoners of war, recipients of the Purple Heart Award and disabled veterans; requires verification; requires the Department of Natural Resources to submit a certain report to the Governor and General Assembly.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 8
 
Introduced: 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Ned Carey, Co-Chair, 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 establish certain programs to provide discounted angler's licenses and trout stamps, Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing licenses, and hunting licenses and associated State-issued stamps and permits to State residents who are recipients of the Purple Heart award; requires the Department to submit a certain report to the Governor and the General Assembly.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 6
 
Introduced: 01/18/2017
Sponsor: House Environment and Transportation Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Clarifies the authorized uses of the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund; repeals specified requirements that the Department of Natural Resources use specified funds from specified hunting license sales for specified purposes; requires a person who harvests a game bird or mammal to report the harvest in accordance with specified regulations.
Status: Signed by Governor Larry Hogan, Member, Governors Sportsmen's Caucus on April 11
 
Introduced: 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Jay Jacobs, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Authorizes a person to hunt turkey on private property in Kent County on Sundays during the spring turkey hunting season.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced: 01/25/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Jay Jacobs, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to allow a person to hunt deer on private property on Sundays in Kent County throughout all deer hunting seasons, subject to specified provisions of law.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced:  02/03/2017
Sponsor:  Eastern Shore Delegation
Issue Brief:  Sunday Hunting Restrictions, White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a preferred Management Tool
Summary:  Authorizes a person to hunt deer under a Deer Management Permit on any Sunday throughout the year, including all deer hunting seasons; alters the application of specified provisions of law governing Deer Management Permits in Charles County and St. Mary's County.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10

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: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced:  02/10/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Herb McMillan, 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 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: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Paul G. Pinsky
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to Forest Conservation Act; clarifies the authority of certain units of local government to adopt certain forest conservation thresholds and afforestation and reforestation requirements that are more stringent that certain forest conservation thresholds and forestation requirements in State law.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced:  01/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator Bryan W. Simonaire, Member, Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Hunter Education
Summary:  Relates to hunter safety courses; relates to application of requirement; requires a certain person to make an affidavit that the person hunted before a certain date rather than that the person had a certain hunting license; establishes a program to provide incentives for the successful completion of a hunter safety course by an individual who is not required by law to complete a hunter safety course.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced:  01/20/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Ronald N. Young
Issue Brief:  Fishing Tournaments
Summary:  Prohibiting a person from organizing, sponsoring, promoting, conducting, or participating in a cownose ray fishing tournament in State waters; and requiring the Secretary of Natural Resources to adopt specified regulations.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced:  02/03/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Stephen S. Hershey
Issue Brief:  Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary:  Authorizes a person to hunt turkey on private property in Kent County on Sundays during the spring turkey hunting season.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 10
 
Introduced: 03/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Cory Atkins
Issue Brief: Enforcement; Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact
Summary:  Relates to the enforcement of illegal hunting practices.
Status: To Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture on April 10
 
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: Ordered Enrolled on April 11
 
Introduced: 04/04/2017
Sponsor: Senator Thomas Croci
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Extends for three years the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to defining spearguns and allowing recreational spearfishing in New York's marine and coastal waters.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on April 4
 


SOUTHEASTSOUTHEASTERN STATES


Introduced:  04/06/17
Sponsor: Representative Kyle South, Member, Alabama Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Range Protection
Summary:  Relates to immunity from civil or criminal liability and nuisance actions in any matter relating to noise or lead pollution as a result of the operation or use of a sports shooting range; clarifies the immunity afforded; includes compliance with recommended or required lead control laws or regulations as a prerequisite to extending immunity to operators or patrons of sport shooting ranges that commenced operations after a certain date.
Status:  To House Committee on State Government on April 6
 
Introduced:  03/07/17
Sponsor: Representative Halsley Beshears, Co-Chair, Florida Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to nonnative animals; directs Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), in consultation with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to establish pilot program for eradication of specific species; requires Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) to enter into specified contracts and to submit report to Governor and Legislature; provides appropriation.
Status:  To House Committee on Government Accountability on April 7
 
Introduced:  03/07/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Bob Bradley
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to water resources; provides an exception to the requirement that bonds issued for acquisition and improvement of land, water areas, and related property interests and resources be deposited into the State Forever Trust Fund and distributed in a specified manner; requires the South State Water Management District to seek proposals from Willing Sellers of property within the Everglades Agricultural Area for land that is suitable for the reservoir project.
Status: Read second time in Senate. Amendment(s) failed on Senate floor.  Amendment(s) adopted on Senate floor. Read third time in Senate.  Passed Senate.  In House in Returning Messages in April 12

Introduced:  02/09/20174
Sponsor: Representative Bobbie Richardson
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Adopts the bobcat as the official state cat of the state.
Status:  Passed House. To Senate on April 11
 
Introduced:  02/23/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Jason Saine
Issue Brief:  Wolf in Sheep's Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups, Hunting Dogs, Substandard Kennels
Summary: Establishes standards of care for large commercial dog breeding facilities; provides law enforcement with tools to ensure that dogs at those facilities are treated humanely.
Status:  Withdrawn from House Committee on Judiciary II, and re-referred to House Committee on Finance on April 6
 
Introduced:  03/08/2017
Sponsor: Representative Lee Zachary, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Modern Restraining Animal Traps
Summary: P ermits fox and coyote trapping in Yadkin County.
Status:  Passed House. To Senate on April 11
 
Introduced:  03/13/2017
Sponsor: Representative Larry Pittman, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Imposes a duty to avoid wanton waste on persons taking wildlife under a depredation permit.
Status:  Withdrawn from House Committee on Agriculture, and re-referred to House Committee on Wildlife Resources on April 6

Introduced:  03/15/2017
Sponsor: Representative Josh Dobson
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Authorizes the addition of Black River State Park, Bob's Pocket State natural area, Warwick Mill Bay State natural area, and Salmon Creek State natural area to the state parks system.
Status:  To Senate Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate on April 10
 
Introduced:  03/16/2017
Sponsor: Representative Chuck McGrady, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
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:  Withdrawn from calendar and re-referred to House Committee on State and Local Government II on April 10
 
Introduced:  04/06/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Charles Graham
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Provides an exemption from hunting, trapping, and fishing license requirements for North Carolina American Indians.
Status:  To House Committee on Wildlife Resources on April 6

Introduced:  04/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Chris Malone, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General;  Sunday Hunting 
Summary:  Confirms that North Carolina citizens have a fundamental privilege to hunt and fish the marine, estuarine, and wildlife resources of the state.
Status:  To House Committee on Wildlife Resources on April 10

Introduced:  04/11/2017
Sponsor: Representative Chris Malone, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Hunting with Dogs
Summary:  Provides for responsible hunting of deer with dogs in a manner that protects the rights of private landowners.
Status:  To House Committee on Wildlife Resources on April 11
 
Introduced:  04/11/2017
Sponsor: Representative John Ager, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Conservation Tax Incentives
Summary:  Provides that agricultural conservation easements on farmland may include terms allowing an easement holder the option to purchase the land at agricultural value, which may run in perpetuity.
Status:  To House Committee on Agriculture on April 11
 
Introduced:  Filed on 04/11/2017
Sponsor: Representative Pricey Harrison
Issue Brief:  Ivory Bans
Summary:  Bans trafficking in ivory and rhinoceros horn.
Status:  Filed on April 11
 
Introduced:  Filed on 04/11/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Destin Hall
Issue Brief:  Substandard Kennels
Summary:  Clarifies staffing standards for boarding kennels offering dog day care services.
Status:  Filed on April 11
 
Introduced:  Filed on 04/11/2017
Sponsor: Representative William Richardson, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Catch Shares
Summary:  Protects striped bass in the central southern management area.
Status:  Filed on April 11

Introduced:  03/27/2017
Sponsor: Senator Bill Rabon, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Catch Shares
Summary:  Opposes the privatization of South Atlantic federal fishery resources through catch share management and efforts through exempted fishing permits or other means to conduct pilot catch share programs or studies.
Status:  Withdrawn from Senate Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate, and Re-referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources on April 10
 
Introduced:  03/29/2017
Sponsor: Senator William Cook, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)
Summary:  Creates a program for the permitting of marine aquaculture activities; requires the division of marine fisheries of the Department of Environmental quality to request the issuance of federal rules to allow marine aquaculture in federal Waters off the coast of the state.
Status:  Withdrawn from Senate Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate, and Re-referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources on April 11
 
Introduced:  03/29/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Norman Sanderson
Issue Brief:  Invasive Species, General
Summary:  Amends certain environmental and natural resources laws.
Status:  Withdrawn from Senate Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate, and Re-referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources on April 11
 
Introduced:  03/30/2017
Sponsor: Senator Andrew Brock, Member, North Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Modern Restraining Animal Traps, General License
Summary:  Amends various laws governing hunting and trapping.
Status:  Withdrawn from Senate Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate, and Re-referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources on April 11
 
Introduced:  02/8/2017
Sponsor: Representative Ron Lollar, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Modern Restraining Animal Traps
Summary:  Relates to Game and Fish Laws; establishes that requirements on the size, placement and inspection of steel traps used in the taking of wildlife be set by rule or proclamation of the fish and wildlife commission, as necessary, Rather than by statute.
Status: Substituted on Senate floor by S 906 on April 10. Passed Senate on April 10
 
Introduced:  02/8/2017
Sponsor:  Representative John B. Holsclaw
Issue Brief:  Enforcement
Summary:  Relates to Game and Fish laws; limits the court costs that may be imposed against a person convicted of not wearing sufficient blaze orange while hunting to $50.00.
Status : Recommends passage from House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. To House Committee on Calendar and Rules on April 11
 
Introduced: 02/06/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mike Bell, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Conservation Funding
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: Recommend passage with amendment from Senate Committee Finance, Ways, and Means on April 11.  To Senate Committee on Calendar on April 11
 
Introduced:  02/07/17
Sponsor: Senator Steve Southerland, Member, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to Game and Fish laws; extends the effective date for newly published regulations involving cooperative agreements between the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and federal agencies, from 30 days to 45 days after the publication date by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; revises the due date for the submission of financial reports by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency executive director to the Governor and commission members, from September 15 to September 30 of each year.
Status:  Placed on Regular Calendar on April 6

Introduced: 02/9/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mike Bell, Co-Chair, Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Modern Restraining Animal Traps
Summary: Relates to Game and Fish laws; establishes that requirements on the size, placement and inspection of steel traps used in the taking of wildlife be set by rule or proclamation of the fish and wildlife commission, as necessary, rather than by statute.
Status:  Substituted on Senate floor by H 733 on April 10
 
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: Read second time in House on April 6.  Held on desk
 
Introduced:  01/20/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Mark D. Obenshain
Issue Brief:  Guns
Summary:  Relates to possession of antique firearms; relates to nonviolent felons; permits nonviolent felons to possess, transport, and carry antique firearms and black powder in a quantity not exceeding five pounds if it is intended to be used solely for sporting, recreational, or cultural purposes in antique firearms.
Status:  Signed by Governor on March 27. Acts of Assembly. Chapter No. 767
 
Introduced:  02/24/2017
Sponsor: Delegate Bill Hamilton, Member, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Relates to a lawful method for a developmentally disabled person to purchase a base hunting license.
Status:  House refused to concur in Senate amendments on April 8
 
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:  Passed Senate. To House for concurrence on April 8
 
Introduced:  02/08/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark R. Maynard, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General License
Summary:  Provides for Department of Natural Resources rule relating to point system for revocation of hunting; provides for repeal.
Status:  Eligible for Governor's desk on April 8
 
Introduced:  02/17/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark R. Maynard, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Sunday Hunting
Summary:  Relates to hunting; repeals limitations on trappers on Sundays; eliminates local option election regarding hunting on Sunday on private land; permits hunting on Sunday on private land; clarifies hunting on Sunday on public lands is unlawful.
Status:  Eligible for Governor's desk on April 7
 
Introduced:  02/28/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mark R. Maynard, Co-Chair, West Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary: Permits collection and sale of naturally shed deer antlers.
Status:  Signed by Governor on April 11
 
Introduced:  03/10/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Charles Trump
Issue Brief:  Range Protection
Summary: Limits nuisance actions against shooting ranges for noise.
Status:  To Governor on April 10


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: Signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson, Member, Governors Sportsmen's Caucus, on April 4

Introduced: 03/06/2017
Sponsor: Representative Kim Hammer
Issue Brief: Feral Hogs
Summary: Creates the feral hog eradication task force.
Status: Signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson, Member, Governors Sportsmen's Caucus, on April 6

Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Crossbows
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides any person may use a crossbow to take coyotes during any coyote season.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on April 6
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Crossbows
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides any person may use a crossbow to take any animal during the appropriate archery season.
Status: Rule 3-9(a) / Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 and 2 re-referred to Assignments Committee on April 7

Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Senator Neil Anderson, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Licenses (General) 
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that except as provided in the Code, it is unlawful to possess 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 sum; 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.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on April 6
 
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 on April 7 as May 5, 2017
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
Issue Brief: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing/ Animal Rights Groups 
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to trap bobcat in this State at any time; provides that no person shall knowingly sell, offer for sale, or purchase a bobcat pelt of a bobcat taken in this State; makes conforming changes.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on April 6
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that prior to the opening of a new hunting season for an animal that was listed on the endangered or threatened species list in the past 15 years, the Department of Natural Resources shall develop a management plan including: an overall goal for the continued growth of the animal's population and return of a stable population in all prime habitat areas throughout the State for that animal; an analysis demonstrating the impact of hunting in different regions of the State.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on April 6
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
Issue Brief: Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle Bans
Summary: Amends the Wildlife Code; provides that it shall be unlawful to use lead ammunition to take wildlife in State parks or natural areas; defines lead ammunition as a projectile containing one or more percent lead by weight; makes conforming changes.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on April 6
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Endangered Species Protection Act; provides that the Endangered Species Protection Board shall without regard to the Personnel Code, employ and fix the compensation of necessary staff; provides that the Board shall employ an executive director to oversee operations of the Board; provides that the Board is solely responsible for hiring, firing, and management of the executive director.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on April 6
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Chapin Rose, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
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: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments Committee on April 7
 
Introduced: 01/05/2017
Sponsor: Representative Woody Burton
Issue Brief: General, Ammunition Restrictions (Non-Lead)
Summary: Relates to plastic coated ammunition; defines armor piercing ammunition, and prohibits certain persons from possessing, manufacturing, selling, or delivering armor piercing ammunition; repeals a superseded provision concerning armor piercing handgun ammunition.
Status: Eligible for Governor's Desk on April 11
 
Introduced: 02/07/2017
Sponsor: House Human Resources Committee
Issue Brief: White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a Preferred Management Tool
Summary: Relates to tagging requirements for deer carcasses; includes penalties.
Status: Signed by Governor on April 12

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 to hunt deer; includes penalties.
Status: To Governor on April 11
 
Introduced: 02/15/2017
Sponsor: Senate Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: Fishing Tournaments
Summary: Relates to bass fishing in the state.
Status: Signed by Governor on April 12 
 
Introduced: 04/07/2017
Sponsor: Senate Ways and Means Committee
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary: Relates to the establishment of certain licenses and fees by rules adopted by the natural resource commission; includes coordinating and transition provisions; includes effective date provisions.
Status: Introduced, to Senate Committee on Ways and Means on April 7
 
Introduced: 04/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Julie Stokes, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Provides relative to the eligibility to purchase a senior hunting and fishing license.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on April 10
 
Introduced: 4/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Stuart Bishop, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Requests the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to examine the issues involved in a program to issue a safe boater decal.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on April 11
 
Introduced: 04/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Bret Allain, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Provides for the deposit of certain license revenue and donations generated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries into funds in the state treasury.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on April 10
 
Introduced: 04/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Bret Allain, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Angling Access
Summary: Limits the permissible uses of monies in the Saltwater Fish Research and Conservation Fund.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on April 10
 
Introduced:  02/01/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Bob Gunther
Issue Brief: Budget Bill
Summary:  Relates to state government; appropriates money from outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, and arts and cultural heritage fund; provides for riparian protection aid; modifies requirements for expending money from legacy funds; modifies and extends prior appropriations; requires reports; relates to establishing a dedicated funding website.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on April 6
 
Introduced:  03/31/2017
Sponsor: Representative Joe Hoppe, Co-Chair, Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Knife Ban Repeal
Summary:  Relates to public safety; removes switch blade knives from the list of prohibited dangerous weapons.
Status: To House Committee on Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance on March 31
 
Introduced:  04/05/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Andrew Lang
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Relates to game and fish; modifies elk management plan requirements.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance on April 6
 
Introduced: 01/17/2017
Sponsor: Senator Michael Groene
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Provides for possession of archery equipment and knives for recreational purposes.
Status: Placed on Select File on April 10
 
Introduced:  01/03/17
Sponsor:  House Appropriations Committee
Issue Brief:  Budget Bill
Summary:  Provides an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the game and fish department.
Status:  Eligible for Governor's desk on April 10

Introduced:  01/09/2017
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:  Eligible for Governor's desk on April 10

Introduced:  01/16/2017
Sponsor: Representative Corey Mock, Co-Chair, North Dakota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Recreational Shooting Appreciation Programs in Schools
Summary:  Relates to the duty of the director of the game and fish department to offer firearm safety instruction, which must be made available to elementary and secondary schools in the state; provides for grants to administer firearm safety courses in elementary and secondary schools.
Status:  Eligible for Governor's desk on April 7
 
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: From Senate Committee on Agriculture and Wildlife: Do not pass on April 11
 
Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor: Senator Nathan Dahm, Member, Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  Feral Hogs
Summary:  Relates to game and fish; relates to the removal of feral swine; exempts persons who remove feral swine from the requirement to obtain a license; allows for use of certain technology; relates to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Code; amends definition; relates to permits to control nuisance or damage by wildlife; clarifies statutory language.
Status: To House Committee on General Government Oversight and Accountability on April 11

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: From House Committee on Wildlife: Do pass as amended on April 11
 
Introduced: 02/14/2017
Sponsor: Representative Poncho Nevarez
Issue Brief: State Fish and Wildlife Management Authority
Summary: Relates to a documented member of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of the state hunting certain deer.
Status: Scheduled for public hearing on April 11
 
Introduced: 0 3/3/2017
Sponsor: Representative Chris Paddie
Issue Brief: High Fence, Chronic Wasting Disease
Summary: Relates to the identification of breeder deer by use of microchip implants
Status: Scheduled for public hearing on April 11
 
Introduced: 03/08/2017
Sponsor: Representative Lynn Stucky
Issue Brief: Feral Hogs
Summary: Relates to the study and approval of lethal pesticides for feral hog control.
Status: Committee report sent to calendars on April 7
 
Introduced: 03/09/2017
Sponsor: Representative Dennis Bonnen
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: Scheduled for public hearing on April 11
 
Introduced: 04/05/2017
Sponsor: Representatives Joel Kleefisch and Nick Milroy, Co-Chairs, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military, Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Relates to requiring the Department of Natural Resources to establish a special wild turkey hunting program for certain disabled veterans; relates to providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; relates to requiring the exercise of rule-making authority.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage on April 5


WESTWESTERN STATES  


Introduced : 02/15/2017
Sponsor: House Rules Committee
Issue Brief : Enforcement
Summary : Relates to sport fishing, hunting, or trapping licenses, tags, or permits; relates to penalties for certain sport fishing, hunting, and trapping license violations; relates to restrictions on the issuance of sport fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses; creates violations and amending fines and restitution for certain fish and game offenses; creates an exemption from payment of restitution for certain unlawful takings of big game animals; relates to commercial fishing violations.
Status : Received do pass as substituted recommendation in House Resources Committee on April 7

Introduced : 02/15/2017
Sponsor: House Rules Committee
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Relates to the Izembek State Game Refuge, Cape Newenham State Game Refuge, Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge, Port Moller Critical Habitat Area, Egegik Critical Habitat Area, Pilot Point Critical Habitat Area, Fox River Flats Critical Habitat Area, Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area, and Dude Creek Critical Habitat Area.
Status : Received do pass recommendation in House Resources Committee on April 8

Introduced : 04/5/2017
Sponsor: Representative Dean Westlake
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Requires a nonresident to be accompanied by a guide or resident spouse or relative when hunting certain caribou.
Status : Introduced on April 5
 
Introduced:  01/18/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Jay Lawrence
Issue Briefs: Guns
Summary:  Relates to unlawful discharge of firearms; exempts rat shot or snake shot pellets.
Status:  Failed to pass Senate on April 10
 
Introduced:  01/20/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Gail Griffin, Member, Arizona Legislators for Wildlife
Issue Briefs: General, Apprentice Hunting License,   Enforcement
Summary:  Urges the United States Congress to respect the historic and current use of Arizona's recreational areas by sportsmen and sportswomen, support the time-honored traditions of hunting and angling, and respect the administration of wildlife conservation through the sound science delivered by the Game and Fish Department and science-based policies developed by the Commission.
Status:  To House Committee of the Whole on April 6
 
Introduced:  03/10/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Steve Lebsock
Issue Briefs: General; Animal Rights Groups
Summary:  Concerns the voluntary contribution designation that benefits wildlife, and, in connection therewith, changing the nongame and endangered wildlife tax check-off to the Colorado nongame conservation and wildlife restoration tax check-off, providing for the allocation of moneys received through the check-off, creating a grant program that uses moneys contributed through the check-off to finance wildlife rehabilitation efforts, and making an appropriation.
Status:  Passed House (47-18). To the Senate on April 7
 
Introduced:  04/05/2017
Sponsor:  Representatives Jim Wilson and Jeni Arndt, Co-Chairs, Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Briefs: General License; Invasive Species
Summary:  Concerns the parks and wildlife commission's authority to set certain charges assessed on people engaging in activities regulated by the division of parks and wildlife; sets certain hunting, fishing, parks, and recreation fees and fines, creating an aquatic nuisance species sticker and associated fee structure, and requiring reporting by the division of parks and wildlife on fee amounts and the use of division-managed lands by non-consumptive users.
Status:  Introduced and referred to House Committee on Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources on April 5
 
Introduced:  02/28/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Don Coram, Member, Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Briefs: General
Summary:  Concerns measures to conserve native species in Colorado; makes appropriations from the species conservation trust fund for purposes recommended by the department of natural resources.
Status:  Passed Senate on Third Reading. To House Committee on Health, Insurance & Environment on April 12

Introduced : 01/2/2017
Sponsor: Representative Denley Loge
Issue Brief : Access to Private Lands
Summary : Increases the maximum payment a landowner who participates in the hunter management or hunting access enhancement programs may receive.
Status : To Governor on April 10
 
Introduced : 01/2/2017
Sponsor: Representative Ray Shaw
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Revises waiting period for bighorn sheep licenses; relates to population management licenses; requires reporting; provides a termination date.
Status : Signed by Governor on April 11
 
Introduced : 01/19/2017
Sponsor: Representative Tom Jacobson, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Revises outfitter assistant laws; revises rulemaking; revises definitions; provides that an emergency means an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action; provides that an assistant may perform that tasks of a guide when a guide's license cannot be readily attained prior to or during the service of a participant due to an emergency; provides that the person may not represent to the public that the person is an outfitter or guide.
Status : To Governor on April 10
 
Introduced : 01/26/2017
Sponsor: Representative Bradley Maxon Hamlett
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Revises the administration of recreational resource programs; administratively attacking the State Parks and Recreation Board to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; clarifies departmental and board powers and duties related to start parks and boating, snowmobile, and off-highway vehicle programs; authorizes the hiring of an executive director of state parks and recreation; provides a statutory appropriation; provides rulemaking authority.
Status : To Governor on April 10
 
Introduced : 03/21/2017
Sponsor: Representative Mike Cuffe, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Invasive Species
Summary : Revises laws related to invasive species; relates to appropriations; relates to environmental protection; relates to fish and wildlife; relates to rule making; relates to water.
Status : Passed 2nd reading in Senate on April 11
 
Introduced : 02/22/2017
Sponsor: Representative Steve Gunderson, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Concerns the resolution urging the delisting of grizzly bears; relates to fish and wildlife.
Status : Passed Senate and sent to House for concurrence on April 7
 
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 adopted by House on April 10
 
Introduced : 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator Keith Regier
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Prohibits the supplemental feeding of wild turkeys; relates to criminal and civil liability; relates to fish and wildlife.
Status : Passed House and sent to Senate for concurrence on April 11
 
Introduced : 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jedediah Hinkle, Co-Chair, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General License, College Student Hunting and Angling License
Summary : Revises hunting license laws; clarifies which hunting licenses are available to certain nonresidents at a discounted price; authorizes nonresident college students, nonresident youth, and nonresident relatives of residents to purchase a nonresident elk-only combination license; authorizes nonresident college students and nonresident youth to purchase a class b-11 nonresident deer combination license; reclassifies the nonresident youth big game combination license as a class b-10 license.
Status : Scheduled for 3rd reading in House on April 13
 
Introduced : 01/30/2017
Sponsor: Senator Mike Lang, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
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 : Received recommendation of do pass in House Judiciary Committee on April 7
 
Introduced : 02/9/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jennifer Fielder, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Right to Hunt and Fish
Summary : Concerns the constitutional referendum to protect the rights of citizens to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wild fish and wildlife; establishes that hunting, fishing, and trapping is the preferred manner of managing wild fish and wildlife; allows for necessary and proper management and conservation statutes and regulations; maintains that this right does not create a right to trespass on private property or diminution of other private rights.
Status : 2nd reading in House not concurred as amended on April 12
 
Introduced : 03/21/2017
Sponsor: Senator Chas Vincent, Member, Montana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Invasive Species
Summary : Revises laws related to aquatic invasive species; provides revenue sources to prevent and control aquatic invasive species; establishes the aquatic invasive species prevention pass; establishes a hydroelectric facility fee; establishes a fee for hydroelectric-dependent utilities; establishes a fee for certain bicycles; allocates revenue; defines hydroelectric facility; extends rulemaking authority; revises the invasive species trust fund.
Status : 3rd reading in House scheduled for April 13
 
Introduced: 0 3/20/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Justin Watkins, Co-Chair, Nevada Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Public Access to Private Lands
Summary:  Revises provisions governing access to public lands.
Status:  To Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Mining on March 20
 
Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor:  Senate Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Revises provisions relating to water guzzlers.
Status:  Order engrossed on April 11

Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor:  Senate Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Makes various changes relating to the Department of Wildlife.
Status:  Ordered engrossed on April 10

Introduced: 3/27/2017
Sponsor:  Senate Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: Animal Traps
Summary:  Revises provisions governing boating and wildlife.
Status:  Rereferred to Senate Committee on Finance on April 7

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 : Signed by Governor Susana Martinez, Member, Governors Sportsmen's Caucus on April 6
 
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 : Pocket vetoed by Governor Susana Martinez, Member, Governors Sportsmen's Caucus on April 7
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brian Clem, Member Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Modifies definition of native fish for purposes of salmon and trout enhancement program.
Status : Public hearing and work session scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee for April 18
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brian Clem, Member Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Prohibits state agency from restricting or closing access to state lands used for hunting until state agency has notified State Department of Fish and Wildlife and department has posted notice of restriction or closure for at least 30 days on department's website; provides exceptions.
Status : Public hearing and work session scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee for April 11
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Office of Governor Kate Brown
Issue Brief : Invasive Species, Enforcement
Summary : Requires boat operators to drain all standing or captured water before leaving water access site or riparian zone; provides exceptions; punishes by maximum fine of $250; clarifies that requirement to obtain aquatic invasive species prevention permit applies to persons 14 years of age or older if person is operating non-motorized boat; authorizes State Marine Board to combine aquatic invasive species prevention permit with other documents that board issues.
Status : Work session scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on April 13
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brad Witt, Co-Chair, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Apprentice Hunting License
Summary : Expands eligibility to participate in state mentored hunting program.
Status : Scheduled for 3rd reading in House on April 13
 
Introduced : 02/9/2017
Sponsor: Representative Paul Evans
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Requires State Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt certain requirements related to carcasses of returning hatchery fish; requires State Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct analysis of return rates of hatchery fish and report results to Legislative Assembly.
Status : Work session scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on April 18
 
Introduced : 02/9/2017
Sponsor: Representative Ken Helm, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Enforcement
Summary : Permanently prohibits outfitter and guide who is convicted of violation of wildlife Laws for unlawfully taking wildlife with culpable mental state from applying for or obtaining licenses, tags and permits under wildlife Laws; permanently prohibits outfitter and guide who is convicted of violation of wildlife Laws for unlawfully taking wildlife with culpable mental state from registering as outfitter and guide; applies to violations of wildlife Laws committed on or after effective date of Act.
Status : Work session scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on April 13
 
Introduced : 03/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Mike McLane, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Enforcement
Summary : Requires State Fish and Wildlife Commission to implement program to encourage reporting of wildlife law violations.
Status : Work session scheduled in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on April 13
 
Introduced : 03/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Ken Helm, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Alters state fish and wildlife management policy to expand wildlife management goals to those of protecting, maintaining and restoring indigenous nongame wildlife resources for their intrinsic values, as well as their ecosystem functions and long term benefits.
Status : Public hearing and work session scheduled in House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on April 13
 
Introduced : 03/30/2017
Sponsor: Representative Bill Kennemer, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Requires that state goals for food fish management ensure that certain decisions be made in consideration of and proportionate with revenues generated by recreational and commercial fisheries for State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Status : Public hearing and work session scheduled in House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on April 13
 
Introduced : 04/3/2017
Sponsor: Representative Sal Esquivel, Co-Chair, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Clarifies definition of covered animal species for purposes of wildlife trafficking prevention program; makes conforming changes.
Status : Public hearing and work session scheduled in House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on April 13
 
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 : Passed Senate on April 6
 
Introduced : 03/28/2017
Sponsor: Senator Arnie Roblan, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Declares state policy on ocean acidification and hypoxia; establishes Oregon Coordinating Council on Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia; establishes duties of coordinating council; requires coordinating council to submit biennial report to Legislative Assembly and Ocean Policy Advisory Council by a specified date of each even-numbered year on coordinating council's activities and recommendations.
Status : Public hearing and work session held in Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on April 10
 
Introduced : 04/6/2017
Sponsor: Senator Fred Girod, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Prohibits use of gillnets and tangle nets for fishing; excludes Indian fishing rights from prohibition; declares emergency, effective on passage.
Status : Introduced and referred to Senate Rules Committee on April 6
 
Introduced : 01/11/2017
Sponsor: Representative Dick Muri
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Concerns the frequency of Puget Sound action agenda implementation strategy and science work plan updates.
Status : Passed Senate on April 6
 
Introduced : 01/18/2017
Sponsor: Representative Tom Dent, Member, Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Commissions an elk management pilot project that focuses initially on the Colockum elk herd.
Status : Passed Senate and sent to House for concurrence on April 6
 
Introduced : 01/20/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brian Blake, 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 : Amended version passed Senate and sent to House for concurrence on April 11
 
Introduced : 01/19/2017
Sponsor: Senator Jim Honeyford
Issue Brief : Invasive Species
Summary : Concerns aquatic invasive species management.
Status : Referred to House Committee on Appropriations on April 6

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 : Withdrawn from House Committee on Rules and placed on 2nd reading on April 10

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 : Passed House on April 10 
 
Introduced : 01/27/2017
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 : Passed House and sent to Senate for concurrence on April 7
        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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