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 
May 15, 2017

NORTHEASTNORTHEASTERN STATES

Introduced: 05/02/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jeff Spiegelman, Co-Chair, Delaware Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Updates requirements for handguns used for deer hunting by adding a range and limit to allowable handgun calibers to accommodate changing handgun availability while maintaining public safety and handgun hunting efficacy; allows for pistol caliber rifle hunting for deer; makes a technical adjustment to clarify that a handgun or a pistol caliber rifle can be used for deer hunting during any shotgun deer season.
Status: From House Committee on Agriculture: Reported without recommendation on May 17
 
Introduced: 05/02/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jeff Spiegelman, Co-Chair, Delaware Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Airguns/Airbows
Summary: Authorizes the use of airbows for hunting deer in place of a shotgun during any shotgun deer season; makes a technical adjustment to clarify that a handgun can be used for deer hunting during any shotgun deer season.
Status: From House Committee on Agriculture: Reported without recommendation on May 17

Introduced: 01/27/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jonathan L. Kinney
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: This bill expands eligibility for complimentary hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, including permits, stamps and other permissions necessary to hunt, trap and fish in Maine, to include nonresident disabled veterans who hold valid hunting or fishing licenses in the states in which they are residents.
Status: In House. Passed to be enacted on May 16

Introduced: 02/03/2017
Sponsor: Representative David Harold McCrea
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Allows a hunter whose religion prohibits the wearing of hunter orange to instead wear red. It also directs the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to amend its rules to reflect this exemption.
Status: In House. Passed to be engrossed on May 11

Introduced: 02/07/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jeffrey K. Pierce
Issue Brief: Sunday Hunting Restrictions
Summary: This bill allows Sunday hunting for migratory game birds.
Status: House adopts Majority Committee Report: Ought not to pass on May 16

Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Peter A. Lyford, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: This bill makes the following changes to the fish and wildlife licensing laws. 1. It eliminates the $50 examination fee for a taxidermy license. 2. It clarifies the length of the period of time during which a person who has obtained a moose hunting permit is ineligible to obtain another permit. 3. It authorizes the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to issue a complimentary group fishing license to a person or entity that allows a group of persons with disabilities to fish in a location for a period of time as specified on the license.
Status: In Senate. Passed to be enacted on May 16

Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Gary L. Hilliard, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Specifies that hunters under 8 years of age may not hunt moose but may purchase applications for moose hunting permits in order to accrue points in the public chance drawing for moose permits.
Status: Eligible for Governor's desk on May 16

Introduced: 02/15/2017
Sponsor: Representative Roland Danny Martin, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Repeals the prohibition on the exchange for consideration of a moose permit in a designated hunting area, zone or season for another moose permit in a different designated hunting area, zone or season; requires the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to establish an online transfer system for moose permits through which transfers of designated hunting areas, zones or seasons may be accomplished.
Status: Work Session held on May 11

Introduced: 03/03/2017
Sponsor: Representative Timothy S. Theriault, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: This bill requires the court to order the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to issue a permit to take a deer or moose to a person found not to have violated the inland fisheries and wildlife laws when a deer or moose taken by the person and seized by the department had been disposed of before that finding was made.
Status: House adopts Majority Committee Reports: Ought not to pass on May 16

Introduced: 03/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Russell Black, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: This bill prohibits the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife from stocking fish in tributaries of state heritage fish waters and prohibits a person from using live fish as bait on such a tributary.
Status: From Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Ought not to pass on May 12

Introduced: 03/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Russell Black, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: White-tailed Deer Management - Hunting as a Preferred Management Tool
Summary: Current law allows the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to open to deer hunting certain coastal and island communities currently closed to hunting, subject to local approval, and to establish a youth deer hunting day. This bill requires the commissioner to open these communities to deer hunting as long as local restrictions are imposed. It requires, while current law permits, the commissioner to create special hunting seasons to control deer populations. It requires the commissioner to create special zones for deer hunting. It allows special hunting seasons and special zones to be created to minimize crop or property damage. It also requires the commissioner to establish a youth deer hunting day.
Status: From Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Ought Not to Pass on May 16

Introduced: 03/16/2017
Sponsor: Representative William R. Tuell, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
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: In House. Passed to be engrossed on May 16

Introduced: 04/06/2017
Sponsor: Representative Ellie Espling, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Public Access to Private Lands
Summary: Ensures the continuation of the landowner relations program.
Status: Work Session held on May 11

Introduced: 04/19/2017
Sponsor: Representative Stephen J. Wood, Co-Chair, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Angler Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation; Modern Restraining Animal Traps; Apprentice Hunting License; Off Highway Vehicles (OHV); Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: This bill replaces the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program with youth and family outdoor recreational programs and activities to encourage hunting and fishing activities as well as shooting sports. It amends language regarding certain licenses to provide that certain permits are included in the licenses. It allows the spouse and children of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty who is permanently stationed outside of the State to purchase trapping licenses at a reduced rate. It simplifies language regarding a person 70 years of age or older hunting with a crossbow. It repeals a provision allowing a person under 16 years of age holding a valid junior hunting license to obtain a muzzle-loading permit from the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It adds a wild turkey hunting permit to the nonresident small game apprenticeship hunter license. It repeals law establishing a youth bear hunting day. It changes the law regarding unlawful possession of wild turkeys to reflect the increase of the bag limit from one to 2. It prohibits placing bait for wild turkeys and hunting over that bait for 30 days prior to the spring wild turkey hunting season. It adds firearms using a caliber cartridge smaller than the .22 caliber cartridge to the exceptions from the law prohibiting hunting with any automatic firearm. It amends the provision of a residents-only day in the law regarding open and closed seasons for deer to account for an exception for certain nonresident landowners. It repeals a provision making nonresident aliens ineligible to purchase a trapping license, as they are eligible to purchase a license to trap beaver when their state or province of residency allows residents of the State to trap beaver in that state or province and removes language requiring clerks or agents appointed by the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to charge $2 for each trapping license issued. It raises the fee for a resident and nonresident apprentice trapper license by $1, consistent with changes to fees in Public Law 2015, chapter 245. It makes it a Class E crime for a licensee to receive, possess for resale, sell or offer to sell gift baitfish or gift smelts. It amends the law describing how the Open Water and Ice Fishing Regulations are distributed. It updates the name of an endangered species of bird. It changes the expiration date of a taxidermy license so that licenses expire 3 years from their date of issuance. It corrects a cross-reference. It allows ATVs, including 2-wheel off-road motorcycles, without headlights or taillights to be operated between sunrise and sunset.
Status: Work Session held on May 11

Introduced: 05/03/2017
Sponsor: Representative Stephen J. Wood, Co-Chair, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  This bill: 1. Moves the planning functions of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife from the Division of Planning, which no longer exists, to the Bureau of Resource Management; 2. Allows a person to capture and possess reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates native to this State and not listed by the department as threatened, endangered or of special concern without a permit, within certain possession limits; 3. Clarifies the purpose for each type of captive wildlife permit issued by the department and the issuance of 3-day hold game bird propagation permits and one-year game bird propagation permits and establishes fees for those permits; 4. Clarifies that the provision of law regarding release of wildlife into the wild applies to birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates; 5. Eliminates the requirement to band imported pheasants; and 6. Gives the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife the authority to open a town or a designated geographical area to the taking of antlerless deer within a wildlife management district that does not allow the taking of antlerless deer.
Status: Work Session held on May 11

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator Paul T. Davis, Co-Chair, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Eliminates the requirement that a person obtain a permit to hunt wild turkeys. This bill increases the number of wild turkeys a person may take during the spring open season for hunting wild turkeys from 2 wild turkeys of either sex to 3 male wild turkeys. This bill increases the number of wild turkeys a person may take during the fall open seasons for hunting wild turkeys from 2 to 3 of either sex over both seasons. This bill allows a person to register wild turkeys electronically or by telephone.
Status: From Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Ought to pass on May 16

Introduced: 02/15/2017
Sponsor: Senator Thomas B. Saviello, Co-Chair, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  This bill allows a person who has lawfully killed a wild animal to sell the meat of the animal at a wild game dinner or to the organizer of a wild game dinner. The bill defines "wild game dinner" as a single event where meat from a lawfully taken animal is cooked and sold to persons at the event for immediate consumption.
Status: Senate adopts Majority Committee Report: Ought not to pass on May 11
 
Introduced: 05/03/2017
Sponsor: Senator Scott Cyrway, Member, Maine Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Airguns/ Airbows; Modern Restraining Animal Traps; Apprentice Hunting Licenses; Bear Hunting, Enforcement
Summary:  This bill makes several changes to the State's fish and wildlife enforcement laws. The bill: 1. Makes it legal for a person to use wireless, digital imaging technology as a means to comply with a trap tending requirement; 2. Makes it clear that hunting with thermal imaging equipment is illegal; 3. Creates a $20 penalty for each quart over the 2-quart limit on smelts; 4. Amends terminology in the law governing apprentice hunter license restrictions; 5. Makes it illegal to fraudulently obtain registrations in addition to licenses and permits that are provided by the department; 6. Makes failing to stop for a law enforcement officer while operating a snowmobile or watercraft a Class D crime consistent with the provision applying to all-terrain vehicles; 7. Makes the airbow a legal hunting implement when used within certain parameters. It defines "airbow," "crossbow" and "hand-held bow"; 8. Specifies that, in addition to a firearm, a person convicted of a domestic violence offense may not own, possess or have under that person's control a crossbow or muzzleloader or archery equipment; 9. Requires all edible meat from bear, deer or moose to be presented for registration along with evidence of gender. It allows these animals to be dismembered for ease of transportation; 10. Strengthens language within the prohibition of abuse of another person's property by removing reference to certain stated activities such as hunting, fishing or trapping to allow the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to enforce the law against persons who abuse another person's property but who may not be involved in an activity such as hunting, fishing or trapping; 11. Sets August 1st as the beginning date for bear baiting season; and 12. It replaces the requirement that a boat operator have a license from the department to carry passengers for hire with a requirement that the operator successfully complete a boating safety course provided by a national association of boating law administrators approved by the commissioner.
Status: From Joint Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Ought not to pass on May 12
 
Introduced: 01/04/2017
Sponsor: Representative Eric I. Schleien
Issue Brief: National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
Summary: Establishes post traumatic stress disorder as a qualifying medical condition under therapeutic use of cannabis; relates to moderate or severe post traumatic stress disorder; deletes the requirement that a medical provider document how the injury affects activities of daily living; clarifies the statements signed by applicants for a registry identification card.
Status: Passed Senate. To House for concurrence on May 11
 
Introduced: 04/04/2016
Sponsor: Assembly Member Parker Space, Member, New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Designates first full week of June each year as New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week.
Status: In Assembly on May 22

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Steve Englebright
Issue Brief: Ivory Bans
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; increases certain penalties and authorizes the payment of rewards for aid in the apprehension and conviction of persons guilty of certain felonies or misdemeanors relating to endangered and special species, species of special concern and illegal ivory articles and rhinoceros horns.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Codes on May 16

Introduced: 02/01/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick
Issue Brief: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing/Animal Rights Groups
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to organize, conduct, promote or participate in any contest or competition where the objective of such contest or competition is to take the greatest number of wildlife.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Codes on May 16

Introduced: 05/11/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Addie Jenne, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to authorizing angling by a single individual with up to three lines in freshwater; extends effectiveness of provisions for two years.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on May 11

Introduced: 05/15/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Clifford W. Crouch, Co-Chair, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Directs the commissioner of environmental conservation to include the mourning dove within the definition of migratory game birds and to allow for their taking.
Status: To Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on May 15

Introduced: 01/12/2017
Sponsor: Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Game Meat Donation Programs
Summary: Amends the Tax Law; establishes the venison donation tax credit.
Status: To Senate Committee on Finance on May 16

Introduced: 02/28/2017
Sponsor: Senator Diane J. Savino
Issue Brief: Knife Ban Repeal
Summary: Amends the Penal Law; relates to the definition of a gravity knife; removes reference to the application of centrifugal force from the definition of a gravity knife.
Status: From Senate Committee on Codes on May 16

Introduced: 05/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Pamela Helming, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Makes provisions authorizing big game hunting in Seneca county permanent.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on May 10

Introduced: 05/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator Susan Serino
Issue Brief: Exotic Invasive Species
Summary: Amends the Environmental Conservation Law; expands the definition of invasive species to include such species or pest organisms that are considered an infestation.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on May 11

Introduced: 05/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator James L. Seward, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Enforcement
Summary: Makes it a misdemeanor to take or attempt to take big game outside of legal hunting hours and makes it a class D felony if another person is injured during the commission of such.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on May 11

Introduced: 05/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator Fred Akshar, Member, New York Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to authorizing angling by a single individual with up to three lines in freshwater; extends effectiveness of provisions for two years.
Status: To Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation on May 11

Introduced: 03/01/2017
Sponsor: Representative Dan Moul, Member, Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Public Access to Private Lands
Summary: Amends the act entitled An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts, provides for liability for landowners to recreational users; provides for attorney fees and court costs.
Status: In House Committee on Tourism and Recreational Development on June 6
 
Introduced: 02/23/2017
Sponsor: Representative Barry Jozwiak
Issue Brief: Hunting with Dogs
Summary: Amends Game of the Consolidated Statutes; relates to in hunting and furtaking; provides for the offense of dogs pursuing, injuring or killing big game.
Status: To Senate Committee on Game and Fisheries on May 15
 
Introduced: 02/02/2017
Sponsor: Senator Paul W. Fogarty
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Would require DEM to issue regulations requiring any dock or pier longer than twenty feet (20') and located on a freshwater lake or pond to be equipped with reflective material such that it can be seen by watercraft operators. This act would take effect upon passage.
Status: To House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on May 12

Introduced: 02/02/2017
Sponsor: Senator Paul W. Fogarty
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Would provide for the creation of a new position in the fish and wildlife division of the department of environmental management, and would place oversight of freshwater lakes, streams, and ponds, in the fish and wildlife division. This act would take effect upon passage.
Status: Placed on Senate Calendar (05/17/2017) on May 11


SOUTHEASTSOUTHEASTERN STATES


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:  Withdrawn from Senate Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate, and re-referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources on May 16

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:  To House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House on May 15
 
Introduced:  03/15/2017
Sponsor:  Senator Harry Brown
Issue Brief:  Budget Bills          
Summary:  Makes base budget appropriations for current operations of state departments, institutions, and agencies, and for other purposes.
Status:  To House Committee on Appropriations on May 17
 
Introduced:  01/31/2017
Sponsor: Representative Alan Clemmons, Co-Chair, South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to the issuance of bear hunting tags by the Department of Natural Resources; increases the nonresident fee to obtain a bear tag; deletes the provision that provides for the random drawing of tags by bear tag applicants in game zones other than game zone 1; eliminates the application fee; relates to the hunting of bears; establishes an open season for hunting and taking bear for still gun hunts in game zone 4.
Status:  To Governor on May 15
 
Introduced:  02/02/2017
Sponsor: Representative Bill Hixon, Member, South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to size limits for certain fish that may be lawfully taken, possessed, landed, or purchased; increases the size limit for flounder that may be lawfully taken, possessed, landed, or purchased.
Status:  To Governor on May 15
 
Introduced:  02/21/2017
Sponsor: Senator Chip Campsen, Co-Chair, South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary:  Relates to night hunting and harassment of wildlife; restructures the existing provisions that regulate night hunting; provides that night hunting any animal except deer, bear, turkey, or any animal specified is unlawful; provides appropriate penalties; provides that night hunting deer, bear, or turkey on property not registered with the department for night hunting feral hogs, coyotes, or armadillos is unlawful and to provide appropriate penalties.
Status: To Governor on May 15


MIDWESTMIDWESTERN STATES


Introduced: 02/02/2017
Sponsor: Representative Tony McCombie
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code; provides that non-resident and resident aquatic life dealer licenses, wholesale aquatic life dealer licenses, mussel dealer permits, minnow dealer licenses, taxidermist licenses, aquaculture permits, commercial roe dealer permits, and daily fee fishing area licenses shall all expire on a specified date annually; amends the Wildlife Code to make a conforming change.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture on May 15

Introduced: 02/07/2017
Sponsor: Representative Norine Hammond, Member, Illinois Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the State Forest Act; provides that plants and plant materials secured or produced shall be used exclusively for conservation purposes, such as for wildlife habitat, erosion control, energy conservation, natural community restoration, general reforestation, research, commemorative plantings, and educational programs such as Arbor Day unless otherwise agreed through a memorandum of understanding with the Green Industry Association which would allow the sale of plants as liner stock.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on May 12

Introduced: 02/08/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jerry Costello, 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 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.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on May 12

Introduced: 02/08/2017
Sponsor: Representative Tom Demmer
Issue Brief: American System of Conservation Funding
Summary: Amends the Highway Code; provides that money received by the State from the federal government under the Recreational Trails Program shall not be considered for use as aid in construction of highways, and shall be placed in the Park and Conservation Fund.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on May 12
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Representative Avery Bourne
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary: Amends the Highway 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: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Third Reading on May 16
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Representative Sheri Jesiel
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code; provides that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound nets; provides that any incidental catch of trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish taken in legal sized gill or pound nets must be returned immediately to the water; provides that the methods of taking are subject to modification by administrative rule based upon lake-wide scientific assessment data.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Second Reading on May 11
 
Introduced: 02/09/2017
Sponsor: Representative Sheri Jesiel
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code; provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a maximum of 5 commercial fishing licenses for taking from the Waters of Lake Michigan yellow perch, bloater chub, and other commercial fish species designated by Department rule; provides that, at times determined by the Director, the Department shall advertise a public drawing to accept new qualified commercial fishing candidates and establish a ranking order for these new candidates.
Status: In Senate. Placed on Calendar Order Second Reading on May 11
 
Introduced: 02/07/2017
Sponsor: Senator Napoleon Harris
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code; provides that all trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish may not be taken by commercial fishing devices, including gill or pound nets; provides that any incidental catch of trout, including lake trout, salmon, and lake whitefish taken in legal sized gill or pound nets must be returned immediately to the water; provides that the methods of taking are subject to modification by administrative rule based upon lake wide scientific assessment data.
Status: To House Committee on Rules on May 11
 
Introduced: 02/07/2017
Sponsor: Senator Napoleon Harris
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code; provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a maximum of 5 commercial fishing licenses for taking from the Waters of Lake Michigan yellow perch, bloater chub, and other commercial fish species designated by Department rule.
Status: To House Committee on Rules on May 11
 
Introduced: 02/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
Issue Brief: Wolf in Sheeps 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: From Senate Committee on Assignments: Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce and Economic Development Amendment No 1 on May 15
 
Introduced: 0 4/10/2017
Sponsor: Representative Stephen Dwight
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Provides for the gear authorized for oyster harvest on Calcasieu Lake and Sabine Lake.
Status: To Senate Committee on Natural Resources on May 11
 
Introduced: 0 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 Senate Committee on Natural Resources on May 16
 
Introduced: 04/10/2017
Sponsor: Senator Dan Morrish, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Approves the comprehensive master plan for integrated coastal protection.
Status: Passed Senate. To House on May 17
 
Introduced: 05/3/2017
Sponsor: Senator Bret Allain, Member, Louisiana Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Angling Access
Summary: Memorializes Congress to pass legislation or adopt policies allowing Louisiana to manage the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery out to two hundred nautical Miles off the coast of Louisiana.
Status: To House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment on May 17
 
Introduced: 02/06/2017
Sponsor:  Representative Dan Fabian
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Relates to state government; appropriates money for environment and natural resources; modifies certain game and fish license and permit provision; modifies provisions to take, possess, and transport wildlife; modifies buffer requirements; prohibits further lead shot rulemaking by DNR; modifies invasive species provisions.
Status: Vetoed by Governor on May 12
 
Introduced: 02/15/17
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: Indefinitely postponed on May 15. See Senate Bill 550.
 
Introduced: 02/02/17
Sponsor:  Senator Torrey Westrom
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: Placed on House calendar for May 18 on May 16
 
Introduced: 01/04/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jay Houghton, Member, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Seniors, Veterans, and Active Duty Military Hunting and Angling Privileges
Summary: Allows all honorably discharged veterans to fish and hunt without a permit, with certain exceptions.
Status: To House Committee on Local, State, Federal Relations and Miscellaneous Business on May 15
 
Introduced: 01/04/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jay Houghton, Member, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Management Authority over Farmed Cervids
Summary: Modifies provisions relating to captive cervids.
Status: To House Committee on Local, State, Federal Relations and Miscellaneous Business on May 15
 
Introduced: 01/04/2017
Sponsor: Representative Sonya Anderson, Member, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Resources for Managing Feral Swine
Summary: Changes the laws regarding feral hogs.
Status: To House Committee on Local, State, Federal Relations and Miscellaneous Business on May 15
 
Introduced: 01/04/2017
Sponsor: Representative Stacey Newman, Member, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Ammunition Restrictions (Non-Lead)
Summary: Prohibits persons from selling, delivering, or transferring to a person under 18 years of age firearm ammunition or accessories.
Status: To House Committee on Local, State, Federal Relations and Miscellaneous Business on May 15
 
Introduced: 01/04/2017
Sponsor: Representative Joe Don McGaugh, Member, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Right to Hunt, Fish, and Harvest Wildlife
Summary: Proposes a constitutional amendment to assert the right of Missourians to hunt and fish.
Status: To House Committee on Local, State, Federal Relations and Miscellaneous Business on May 15

Introduced: 01/04/2017
Sponsor: Representative Mike Moon, Member, Missouri Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: Conservation Sales Tax
Summary: Proposes a constitutional amendment to require that the conservation sales tax be renewed by voters every six years.
Status: To House Committee on Local, State, Federal Relations and Miscellaneous Business on May 15
 
Introduced: 01/18/2017
Sponsor: Senator Curt Friesen, Co-Chair, Nebraska Legislative Sportsmen's Forum
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Changes provisions relating to mowing of weeds.
Status: Signed by Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Member Governor Pete Ricketts on May 12
 
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: To Governor on May 11
 
Introduced: 03/09/2017
Sponsor: Representative Mark Keough
Issue Brief: Feral Hogs
Summary: Relates to the taking of certain feral hogs and coyotes using a hot air balloon.
Status: To Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs on May 10

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: Committee report printed and distributed on May 16
 
Introduced: 1/11/2017
Sponsor: Senator Donald Huffines
Issue Brief: Firearms Preemption, Knife Preemption
Summary: Relates to the regulation or taxation of firearms, air guns, knives, or ammunition by a municipality or county.
Status: Passed Senate. To House on May 11
 
Introduced: 01/23/17
Sponsor: Senator Craig Estes, Member, Texas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to the disposition of proceeds from the sale of freshwater fishing stamps issued by the Parks and Wildlife Department.
Status: Placed on General State Calendar for May 18
 
Introduced: 02/02/2017
Sponsor: Senator Charles Perry
Issue Brief: General
Summary: Relates to a fee for participation in the Managed Lands Deer Program of the Parks and Wildlife Department.
Status: Committee report sent to calendars on May 15
 
Introduced: 02/22/17
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: Laid on the table on May 10
 
Introduced:  02/15/17
Sponsor: Senator Kathleen Vinehout, Member, 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:  Passed Assembly on May 10
 
Introduced:  05/11/17
Sponsor: Senator Luther Olsen, Member, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary: Relates to authorizing hunting from a mechanized lift attached to a motor vehicle.
Status:  To Senate Committee on Sporting Heritage, Mining, and Forestry on May 11
 
Introduced:  05/11/17
Sponsor: Senator Thomas Tiffany, Member, Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief:  General
Summary: Relates to requiring an open season for woodchucks.
Status:  To Senate Committee on Sporting Heritage, Mining, and Forestry on May 11


WESTWESTERN STATES  


Introduced : 01/17/2017
Sponsor: Representative George Rauscher, Member, Alaska Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Establishes the Jonesville Public Use Area.
Status : Received do pass recommendation from House Finance Committee and referred to House Committee on Rules on May 12

Introduced : 03/1/2017
Sponsor: House Transportation Committee
Issue Brief : Invasive Species
Summary : Relates to the regulation of wastewater discharge from small commercial passenger vessels in state Waters; relates to art requirements for certain public facilities.
Status : Passed Senate and awaiting transmittal to Governor on May 16

Introduced:  02/13/2017
Sponsor: Assembly Member Jim Frazier, Co-Chair, California Outdoor Sporting Caucus
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Deletes the established fee for a resident elk tag. Sets the fee at the average price of the fees required for resident elk tags issued by specified states, as determined annually by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Status:  In Assembly. Read second time. To third reading on May 15
 
Introduced:  02/17/2017
Sponsor:  Assembly Member Richard Bloom
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Declares the intent of the Legislature that the Department of Fish and Wildlife identify and propose new and alternative sources of revenue to fund the department's necessary wildlife and land conservation, restoration, and resources management and protection responsibilities.
Status: From Assembly Committee on Appropriations with author's amendments on May 15
 
Introduced:  01/25/2017
Sponsor: Senator Tom Berryhill, Co-Chair, California Outdoor Sporting Caucus
Issue Brief: Licenses (General)
Summary:  Makes nonsubstantive changes to existing law which requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife and authorized license agents to issue sport fishing licenses that are valid for various periods of time upon payment of the fee applicable to the particular license.
Status:  Passed Senate. To Assembly on May 15
 
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: Passed Senate on May 15 
 
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: In Senate Committee on Appropriations. To Suspense File on May 15
 
Introduced : 01/2/2017
Sponsor: Representative Jim Keane
Issue Brief : Access to Private Lands, Budget Bills
Summary : Reinstates funding authority for Habitat Montana program; makes other appropriations.
Status : Signed into law by Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Co-Chair Steve Bullock on May 10

Introduced : 03/15/2017
Sponsor: Representative Alan Doane
Issue Brief : Access to Private Lands
Summary : Creates the Montana public land access network grant program; authorizes donations; creates the Montana public land access network account; authorizes disbursements; requires board of land commissioner approval; requires access easements to be held and enforced by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation excludes payment for access from adjusted gross income; provides a statutory appropriation; provides definitions; provides rulemaking authority.
Status : Signed into law by Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Co-Chair Steve Bullock on May 10
 
Introduced:  02/06/2017
Sponsor:  Senate Natural Resources Committee
Issue Brief: General
Summary:  Relates to wildlife; revises provisions relating to the confidentiality of certain information obtained by the Department of Wildlife; revises provisions governing the preparation and dissemination of certain reports and statements concerning the Wildlife Trust Fund, upland game bird projects and certain energy development projects.
Status:  From Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Minging: Do pass on May 15
 
Introduced : 02/1/2017
Sponsor: Office of Governor Kate Brown
Issue Brief : General
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 : Public hearing held in Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee for May 15

Introduced : 2/1/2017
Sponsor: Representative Brad Witt, Co-Chair, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : Apprentice Hunting Program
Summary : Extends age range of youth eligible to participate in youth hunter mentoring program to persons between nine and 16 years of age.
Status : Signed into law by Governor Kate Brown on May 17

Introduced : 02/9/2017
Sponsor: Representative Ken Helm, Member, Oregon Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
Issue Brief : General
Summary : Authorizes court to order State Fish and Wildlife Commission to revoke all licenses, tags, and permits issued under laws held by person 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 : Hearing in Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee rescheduled for May 22
        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: 
 
Senior Director, Northeastern States Brent Miller, at 202-543-6850 x13, or brent@sportsmenslink.org
Director, Southeastern States Bee Frederick, at 202-590-0475, or bee@sportsmenslink.org
Senior Director, Midwestern States Chris Horton, at 501-865-1475, or chris@sportsmenslink.org
Senior Director, Western States Andy Treharne, at 303-789-7589, or andy@sportsmenslink.org


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