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Bill would preserve option to donate unsuccessful deer-lottery fees to PLOTS after online licensing change
Summary
House Bill 1412 updates century code language so hunters can opt to donate unsuccessful deer-lottery fees to the Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) program under a new online licensing system. Game and Fish said the change preserves roughly $90,000 annually that donors have contributed.
Representative Todd Porter told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee House Bill 1412 makes technical code changes so the Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) program can continue to accept donations when the departmentmoves to a new online licensing process.
Brian Hosek, administrative services chief at Game and Fish, said the online payment system recently implemented with the Bank of North Dakota no longer charges applicants up front for the deer lottery and therefore there is no longer a refund event for unsuccessful applicants. The bill replaces the refund-based language in statute with a direct option to donate the license fee if an applicant is unsuccessful. Hosek said donors currently contribute about $90,000 annually to the PLOTS program.
Hosek and committee members explained operational details: customers may pre-purchase the general game-and-habitat license when applying for the deer lottery or choose to be charged only if they are drawn for a tag. Under the new flow the donation option must be handled at charge time; the bill ensures the department can add a donation charge for those who opt in.
The committee moved a due-pass recommendation on House Bill 1412. The clerk recorded 6 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent (motion passed).
Ending: Committee voted to advance the bill; Game and Fish staff said the change preserves a roughly $90,000 annual donation stream to the PLOTS program.
