Nevada Department of Wildlife seeks broader authority for wardens, new disease and feeding restrictions in cleanup bill

The Nevada Department of Wildlife told the Senate Committee on Natural Resources that Assembly Bill 59 is a departmental "cleanup" bill combining several changes: clarifying the enforcement authority of game wardens, expanding feeding prohibitions to address human-wildlife conflict in urban areas, strengthening protections against chronic wasting disease (CWD), and adding moose to the state's trophy big-game list.

Alan Jenne (presenter identified himself as "Alan Jenne, last name J-E-N-N-E"), director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), said the bill "clarify[ies] that game wardens as category 1 peace officers, have the authority to enforce all state laws." NDOW said the change is intended to make clear that wardens are covered when they encounter exigent public-safety situations outside strictly wildlife-focused enforcement—for example, when responding to incidents such as the UNLV shooting or when encountering a suspected DUI while traveling highways.

NDOW also proposed broadening the statutory ban on feeding wildlife to include "all wild animals, game birds," to address conflicts in urban settings such as coyotes being fed in Las Vegas. The department said the assembly amendment created a 100-foot exception to allow bird feeders near residences. NDOW said the intent is to target intentional feeding that draws predators and creates public-safety and disease risks rather than incidental backyard bird feeding.

On disease prevention, NDOW proposed making it unlawful to import certain bodily fluids associated with chronic wasting disease—such as urine and similar products—because these materials can carry the prion that causes CWD. NDOW also proposed eliminating the alternative livestock permit program to reduce CWD introduction risk, while creating a limited exception for short-term reindeer displays used in seasonal public exhibits.

The bill would add moose to the trophy big-game mammal classification, raising the maximum civil penalty for unlawful take or possession from $5,000 to up to $30,000 for that species. NDOW said current moose numbers in the state are small—"somewhere between 25 and 50 animals"—and that the species is expanding its range into areas such as the Ruby Mountains.

Committee members raised multiple questions. Several senators asked whether wardens already have authority to act in emergencies; NDOW and Legislative Counsel explained there is overlap and some ambiguity between existing provisions (NRS 289.280 and the wildlife-title enforcement sections) and the proposed clarifying language. Senators also expressed concern about funding: NDOW confirmed wardens use a small general-fund allocation for public-safety enforcement costs while most department revenue (licenses/tags) supports wildlife programs. Committee members discussed whether expanding non-wildlife enforcement burdens could be funded from general revenue rather than hunting-license revenue.

The hearing drew organized support from conservation groups and law-enforcement organizations. Kyle Davis of the Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife and Andrew McKay from the Great Basin Wildlife Conservancy supported the moose protections and CWD-prevention measures; James Mortimer, representing the Nevada Police Union, expressed support for the department's law-enforcement authority. Several residents and stakeholders also testified in support. No formal committee vote occurred at the conclusion of the hearing.