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Senate advances HB 79 to allow county option for limited night predator control amid safety concerns
Summary
The Senate advanced HB 79 to allow counties to opt into limited nighttime predator control (skunks, coyotes and similar species). Debate focused on public-safety concerns, potential for poaching and whether a sunset provision should be added; the sunset motion failed and the bill passed to third reading.
House Bill 79, brought from the Energy, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee, would give counties the option to allow limited night hunting to control predator populations affecting upland game and livestock.
The sponsor said the measure is targeted at rural counties with predator problems and would generally not apply in urban settings. Amendments clarified the inclusion of species such as coyotes. Senators asked about safety concerns (e.g., using handheld light only, prohibiting vehicle spotlights) and potential increases in poaching; the sponsor said the bill limits methods (handheld lights versus spotlights) and leaves local sheriffs the ability to define applicable areas.
Senator Steiner and others proposed a 36-month sunset amendment; proponents of the sunset argued it would allow the program to be reviewed and prevented long-term erosion of protections, while opponents said 36 months would not be sufficient to effect predator control. The amendment to add a sunset failed in a voice vote.
A further safety objection was raised from the floor, with one senator warning that 'you can't see beyond the rays of a light' and expressing concern for shooters' inability to judge what lies beyond the illuminated area. Despite safety and policy concerns, the bill passed to be placed on the third-reading calendar (reported 18 ayes, 9 nays and 2 absent).
