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House introduces bill to prohibit taking beavers on public land in name of wildfire resiliency
Summary
House Bill 13 23, sponsored by Representatives Lindsey and Velasco with Senators Cutter and Kipp as cosponsors, was introduced and assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; the measure would prohibit taking beavers on public land to support wildfire resiliency.
The Clerk announced the introduction of House Bill 13 23, sponsored by Representatives Lindsey and Velasco and cosponsored by Senators Cutter and Kipp, describing the measure as aimed at wildfire resiliency by prohibiting the taking of beavers on public land in the state.
The bill was assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources for consideration, the presiding officer said. No committee hearing date or fiscal details were provided on the floor.
Supporters of measures that protect beavers argue those animals can help create and maintain wetlands and riparian areas that retain moisture and slow the spread of wildfires; opponents in other contexts have raised questions about property impacts and management, but no debate on the floor accompanied the introduction and assignment. The Clerk’s floor statement limited itself to describing the bill’s subject and sponsors.
Because the House only introduced the bill and referred it to committee, no vote or formal action on the substance occurred during the session. The next procedural step is committee consideration; the floor record did not specify a hearing date or committee staff fiscal analysis.
The House also took up other routine business in the same session, including multiple committee reports and a resolution to recognize District Wildlife Manager Bob Holder for 50 years of service. The House adjourned until Friday, March 6, at 9 a.m.
