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Panel debates raising legal standard for DNR vessel stops; department and conservation groups clash
Summary
Representative Ridley proposed changing the standard for Department of Natural Resources vessel stops to probable cause. DNR and conservation groups warned such a change would hamper patrols and public-safety checks; retailers and boating-safety volunteers supported the current reasonable‑suspicion practice.
A proposal to require probable cause before Department of Natural Resources officers may stop and board vessels prompted robust debate at the Judiciary Noncivil subcommittee, with agency law‑enforcement leaders, conservation groups and boating-safety advocates testifying on opposite sides.
Representative Ridley said House Bill 195 seeks parity between traffic stops and vessel inspections: the change would raise the legal standard for an initial vessel stop to probable cause. He said the intent is to protect Fourth Amendment rights and prevent fishing expeditions by officers.
DNR witnesses argued the change would seriously curtail boater-safety work. Thomas Bernard, deputy…
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