Senator Foreman’s bill would bar applicants with unpaid fish-and-game fines from obtaining licenses until fines are paid

Senator Dan Foreman (District 6) presented RS31880C1, a proposal to amend Idaho Code to make anyone with outstanding fines for violations of Idaho fish and game laws ineligible to apply for hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses, tags or permits until those fines are paid.

"This legislation amends section 36 dash 14 oh 2, Idaho code to make any person with outstanding fines for violations of Idaho fish and game laws ineligible to apply for a hunting, fishing, or trapping license tag or permit until all fines are paid," Foreman said on the record. He told the committee the change would also apply to lifetime license certificate holders and would not apply to convicted violators on approved time payment plans that are not 90 days or more in arrears.

During questioning, Senator Cook asked whether the restriction would apply to special-draw permits such as elk hunts; Foreman replied that it would apply "to any application for any type of special permit, license, tag, anything." Foreman added that if a person who is ineligible attempts to apply, that attempt is a misdemeanor under Idaho code. After discussion, Senator Cook moved to send RS31880 to a print hearing; Senator Harris seconded the motion. The committee approved the motion by voice vote and the bill was docketed for a print hearing.

The transcript contains no roll-call tally and no amendments were recorded. Committee members did not record additional debate on alternatives or fiscal impacts during the session captured in the transcript.