Nevada Wildlife Department proposes AB 59 to enhance game warden authority and wildlife regulations

On April 24, 2025, the Nevada Senate Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss two significant bills: AB 29 and AB 59. The meeting highlighted key issues surrounding wildlife management and law enforcement authority for game wardens, reflecting ongoing concerns about public safety and environmental stewardship in the state.

The committee first addressed AB 29, which received neutral testimony from stakeholders, indicating that while there were no strong objections, some technical amendments were proposed. The details of these amendments were not elaborated upon, but the committee moved swiftly to close the hearing on this bill.

The more substantial discussion centered on AB 59, presented by Alan Jene, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. This bill aims to clarify the authority of game wardens as Category 1 peace officers, allowing them to enforce all state laws, including those related to public safety, such as DUI enforcement. Jene emphasized that this change would not alter their primary focus on wildlife law but would close potential legal loopholes that could arise in emergency situations, such as the recent UNLV shooting incident where game wardens were involved in public safety efforts.

Another critical aspect of AB 59 is the proposed ban on feeding wildlife, particularly coyotes, to mitigate conflicts in urban areas like Las Vegas. This measure aims to address public safety concerns stemming from increased coyote sightings and incidents of bites. The bill also seeks to outlaw the importation of certain body fluids associated with chronic wasting disease, a serious concern for wildlife health.

Additionally, AB 59 includes provisions to increase penalties for unlawfully killing moose, which are migrating into Nevada, and to clarify definitions related to hunting regulations. The bill proposes a significant increase in fines for poaching moose, reflecting the state's commitment to protecting this newly established population.

The committee members raised various questions regarding the implications of granting game wardens broader enforcement powers. Concerns were voiced about the potential for overreach and the fairness of placing the financial burden of wildlife enforcement on sportsmen through license fees. Some members questioned whether existing laws already provided sufficient authority for game wardens to act in emergency situations, suggesting that the proposed changes might be redundant.

In conclusion, the discussions during the meeting underscored the delicate balance between wildlife management, public safety, and the responsibilities of law enforcement in Nevada. As the committee prepares to deliberate further on AB 59, the outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications for both wildlife conservation efforts and community safety in the state. The committee's next steps will likely involve refining the bill to address the concerns raised while ensuring effective management of Nevada's natural resources.