Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bill raises restitution and strengthens penalties for repeat hunting violations; removes "in perpetuity" language for disability crossbow permits
Summary
A bill requested by Fish and Game increases restitution amounts and creates enhanced penalties for habitual hunting offenders; it also removes wording that had made disability crossbow permits effectively permanent, allowing hunters who recover from injuries to resume bow hunting.
A representative introduced a department‑requested bill to raise restitution fees and increase penalties for repeat hunting violations. The sponsor said the change responds to repeated illegal take incidents and to the department's difficulty obtaining restitution under the prior "may" language in statute.
Colonel Kevin Jordan of Fish and Game told the committee commissioners sought stronger tools for habitual offenders because repeat violators have been common, especially as enforcement staff use digital evidence to uncover past violations. Jordan explained that restitution historically was discretionary and often not ordered; changing the law from "may" to "shall" would make restitution mandatory when ordered by a court and would direct funds back to the department for wildlife and habitat uses.
The bill increases license‑suspension periods for second and subsequent offenses and creates an habitual offender status to strengthen penalties for repeat illegal hunting. Jordan said current practice often results in a one‑year loss of license for a first offense and three years for a second offense within a 5‑year window; the bill would extend and formalize penalties and habitual‑offender treatment.
At the end of the bill, sponsors also removed language that had described crossbow permits issued for some people with disabilities as existing "in perpetuity." A sponsor recounted a constituent who had a permanent shoulder injury, obtained a disability crossbow permit, and later recovered after medical treatment; under the earlier language the permitting division had understood the disability crossbow permit to prevent return to a regular bow license. The amendment strikes "in perpetuity" so a person who becomes able to use a regular bow again may apply for a standard archery license.
The committee advanced the bill and reported it as "ought to pass" on voice consent.
Why this matters: Fish and Game said the changes will help deter repeated illegal taking and ensure restitution funds return to support wildlife programs. The crossbow change fixes an unintended consequence for disabled hunters who later recover.
Votes at a glance: Committee reported HB 655 as "ought to pass" by unanimous consent.
