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Committee advances trespass penalty bill, tables hunter‑orange and trap‑signage measures; watercraft decal repeal passes
Summary
At executive action the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee advanced House Bill 354 (revocation of hunting/fishing/trapping privileges for criminal trespass) 13‑7, tabled House Bills 347 and 436, and unanimously advanced House Bill 468 removing a watercraft validation decal requirement.
During the committee's executive session following the HB 450 hearing, members considered several bills and recorded multiple roll calls.
House Bill 354: the committee voted to advance HB 354 on a 13‑7 roll call. The measure would allow revocation of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for persons convicted under certain criminal trespass provisions. Debate centered on scope and fairness: supporters argued the bill would give landowners and wildlife managers (including on Fish and Wildlife management areas) stronger tools against repeat, intentional trespass that harms livestock and wildlife; opponents warned the language could sweep up accidental trespassers and people who unintentionally cross posted boundaries. An amendment to restore judge discretion on a first offense failed 8‑12; after extended debate members voted to advance the unamended bill to the floor.
Representative Mallette summarized his position during debate: "I'm really big on private property rights. I'm gonna vote for this bill." Committee staff and members cited statute 45‑6‑201 when discussing the required showing for 'enter or remain unlawfully.' The committee asked staff to clarify language (for example, whether references should explicitly name WMAs and fishing access sites) before floor consideration.
Other bills: House Bill 347 (hunter orange rules) drew concern that stricter requirements could hamper hunter‑education instructors and bow hunters; initial action resulted in a tied roll call and the committee subsequently moved to table the bill. House Bill 436 (trap‑signage requirement) had a sponsor amendment adding a sunset to April 2028 that passed on a 14‑6 vote, but the amended bill failed a later roll call and the committee then voted to table HB 436. House Bill 468 (removing the watercraft validation decal requirement) passed unanimously by voice vote and will move to the floor.
What this means: HB 354 will go to the House floor for further consideration; bills tabled may be revived or reintroduced with revised language. Committee members flagged the need for clarifying statutory references and potential floor amendments before final action.
