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Representative Noel asks to open bill file for tongue‑in‑cheek 'Urban Wildlands Enjoyment Act'
Summary
Representative Noel asked the House for leave to open a bill file proposing an 'Urban Wildlands Enjoyment Act' that would transplant prairie dogs, owls and other species into urban parks; the motion to open the bill file passed after prolonged, mostly good‑natured floor exchanges.
Representative Noel used floor time on March 7 to request leave to open a bill file for what he described as the 'Urban Wildlands Enjoyment Act,' a proposal — part serious, part whimsical — to introduce threatened or familiar wildlife into urban park and golf course settings so that children and urban residents could experience those species firsthand.
Noel described potential elements including translocating prairie dogs, creating habitat corridors, experimenting with species such as spotted owls or prairie dogs in urban greenways and linking the effort to a 'trap, neuter, spay' program for feral cats and a set of 'green jobs' for urban maintenance. "Prairie Dogs Without Borders," Noel said, summarizing the concept in a phrase that drew laughter and follow‑up questions from colleagues.
Several members asked technical and jurisdictional questions. Representatives raised concerns about statutory authority, interactions with federal permitting (GP40/Army Corps nexus was mentioned), road classification and access, animal control and neutering protocols, and whether such an idea would require coordination with other bills. Noel repeatedly acknowledged he had no statutory authority as drafted and said committee amendments or interim study might be needed to work out details. Colleagues offered a mix of amused support and practical cautions, including suggestions to include wild horses and to plan for animal control and public‑safety issues.
Procedurally, a motion for the previous question was adopted to cut off debate, and the House then voted to allow Representative Noel to open a bill file. Noel said he expected to work on the measure in committee or interim study and welcomed amendments.
Why it matters: Floor time to open a bill file is how lawmakers turn an idea into a draft bill and begins the formal legislative process. While much of Noel’s presentation was lighthearted, it drew substantive questions about statutory authority, intergovernmental permits, animal welfare and public safety that would need resolution if a formal bill were drafted.
What’s next: The House approved Noel’s motion to open the file; the proposal will be drafted if the sponsor pursues it and could be refined in committee or during interim study.
