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Lawmakers consider permitting system for salvaging edible roadkill in Nevada
Summary
Senate Bill 215 would direct the state wildlife commission to create free salvage permits allowing individuals to collect edible portions of animals accidentally killed in vehicle collisions, with public-health safeguards and an option to suspend permits if chronic wasting disease is detected.
CARSON CITY — The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources on May 5 heard Senate Bill 215, sponsored by Senator Robin Titus, which would authorize salvage permits for edible portions of animals unintentionally killed in vehicle collisions or other incidental fatal events.
Catherine Villasenor, assisting the senator, said the bill is intended to “reduce waste and promote the responsible use of Nevada’s wildlife resources” by allowing humane retrieval of otherwise-usable meat. Under the bill, the Board of Wildlife Commissioners would adopt regulations requiring the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to issue salvage permits and would be prohibited from charging a permit fee, the sponsor said. “To protect public health and the integrity of Nevada's wildlife populations, the commission may, by regulation, suspend salvage permits if any wildlife in the state is confirmed to have tested positive for chronic wasting disease,” Villasenor told the committee.
Deputy Director Mike Scott of NDOW said the department envisions a streamlined process, such as a phone app, to issue permits and would retain the animal head for testing to monitor chronic wasting disease (CWD). “We would retain the head so that we could test that animal for CWD,” Scott said, calling testing one reason NDOW supports a permit mechanism.
Titus said the bill mirrors programs in 35 other states and would clarify that possession of salvaged wildlife taken under a permit would not violate hunting-season restrictions; the bill is set to take effect Oct. 1, 2025. Titus said the bill’s regulations would address operational details such as whether permits are issued per animal or per person and who may apply to salvage an animal; she told the panel her preference is permitting on a per-animal basis.
Assemblymembers asked practical questions. Assemblymember Steve DeLong asked whether a driver involved in a crash would need to apply for a permit before collecting meat; Titus and Scott said regulations could allow quick permitting tied to accident reporting and that accident scenes are usually reported for insurance or law-enforcement purposes. Assemblymember Constantine asked whether nondrivers could obtain permits to retrieve animals they observed hit; Titus confirmed the bill’s language allows someone other than the hapless driver to apply if an animal is lawfully salvageable.
Paul Young, representing the Board of Wildlife Commissioners, testified in support. NDOW submitted explanatory exhibits on CWD testing and interstate policy approaches. No callers registered opposition; no committee vote was taken at the hearing.
Ending: The committee closed the SB215 hearing after public testimony and questioning; the measure will proceed through the legislative process and the Board of Wildlife Commissioners would later adopt implementing regulations if the bill becomes law.
