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Wyoming committee tightens language in bill banning hunting from vehicles; amendment and final vote pass
Summary
The Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee amended House Bill 211 to clarify which species are covered and to replace ambiguous language; the committee approved the bill 7-2 and will carry it to the floor.
The Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee on Tuesday approved changes to House Bill 211, a proposal that targets taking wildlife from vehicles and clarifies which animals would be protected under state law.
Supporters and several committee members focused on wording in the statute that used the term "deemed" to describe species identified as threatened. Jim McGavin of the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association told the committee, "If it said listed as threatened, that would be clear, but deemed — deemed by whom?" McGavin urged replacing ambiguous language with a clearer term.
The committee worked several amendments on page 2 of the bill. Representative Connolly moved to accept an amendment offered in testimony and Representative Provenza later moved an insertion that specifically referenced state wildlife definitions, citing W.S. 23‑1‑101 (definitions of wildlife), which lists examples such as the black‑footed ferret, fisher, lynx, otter, pika and wolverine. Representative Store (Storff) succeeded in replacing the word "deemed" with language referring to species "classified as threatened or endangered by federal wildlife regulations," after committee discussion about whether the statute should rely on state lists, federal lists, or neither.
Representative Harshman moved the bill out of committee; Representative Thayer seconded. The committee then took a roll‑call vote on the measure as amended. The clerk recorded seven ayes and two no votes; the committee chair said the bill will be carried to the floor.
Committee discussion repeatedly returned to the question of which lists or processes determine species status and to ensuring statutory language would not create unintended enforcement problems. Witnesses from sporting and agricultural groups supported clarifying the text but warned against vague or overly broad wording. Several members said further technical cleanup could occur before floor action.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 211 — motion to report amended bill: 7 ayes, 2 noes (names read on the roll call). The committee did not adopt additional substantive changes after the vote and indicated the sponsor will carry the amended bill to the House floor.
The bill will proceed to the full House with the committee's amendments; committee members said additional conforming edits can be made ahead of floor debate.
