Senator Titus advocates for Nevada wildlife salvage bill SB 215 to reduce waste

The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 215, which aims to revise provisions related to wildlife management in Nevada. Senator Robin Titus, representing Senate District 17, introduced the bill alongside Deputy Director Mike Scott from the Nevada Department of Wildlife and intern Catherine Villasenor.

Senate Bill 215 seeks to reduce waste and promote responsible use of wildlife resources by allowing the salvage of edible portions of animals that are accidentally killed in vehicle collisions or other incidental events. Currently, state law imposes strict limitations on salvaging such animals, resulting in usable products being left to waste on roadways. The bill has received support from the Nevada Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus and is particularly relevant for rural areas where animal-vehicle collisions are common.

The bill consists of two main sections. The first section mandates the Board of Wildlife Commissioners to adopt regulations for issuing salvage permits, which would allow individuals to collect unintentionally killed animals. Notably, the bill prohibits the imposition of any fees for these permits, ensuring accessibility for all Nevadans. Additionally, a safeguard is included that allows the commission to suspend salvage permits if chronic wasting disease (CWD) is detected in the state, thereby protecting public health and wildlife populations.

The second section clarifies that individuals who obtain a salvage permit will not be penalized for possessing wildlife or wildlife parts outside of designated hunting seasons. This provision aims to protect citizens acting in good faith under the new system.

During the discussion, Assemblymember DeLong raised questions about the implementation of the salvage permits, particularly regarding the process for individuals who encounter roadkill. Senator Titus explained that the Wildlife Commission would determine the specifics of the regulations, potentially allowing for a digital permit system. Deputy Director Scott added that a mobile application could facilitate the permit application process while ensuring that the heads of salvaged animals are retained for CWD testing.

Committee members expressed concerns about the potential for misuse of the salvage permits and the need for verification that animals were indeed killed in accidents. Senator Titus assured the committee that law enforcement would be involved in the process, requiring notification of accidents to ensure proper checks and balances.

The meeting concluded with a call for public testimony in support of Senate Bill 215, indicating a continued interest in the bill's progress and its implications for wildlife management in Nevada. The bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025, pending further discussions and regulatory developments.