Date: 04/08/09
Contact: Kim Jolly
Phone: (775) 688-1510

WILDLIFE COMMISSION PUTS SUPPORT BEHIND KEY BILLS

With the State Legislature looking at several important bills that could affect Nevada’s wildlife and habitat, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC) spent Monday in a special meeting reviewing those bills and deciding whether to support or oppose the proposed legislation.

The following are the results of Monday’s meeting:

• AB18 – A funding bill for the bonds to support the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program.
  Commission Position: Support
  
• AB73 – A boating bill that clarifies driver age of boat with skier, and eliminates obsolete language.
  Commission Position: Support
  
• AB77 – A law enforcement bill that will increase civil penalties for waste of certain trophy game.
  Commission Position: Support with an amendment by NDOW to reduce the $5,000 minimum penalty to $500.
  
• AB171 – A bill to legalize fish pedicures in Nevada. The bill does not specify the species of fish that would be allowed to be used, but of the fish that are used in fish pedicures in Asia: Garra Rufas and Chin-Chin fish, are both potential invasive species that could cause ecosystem disruption.
  Commission Position: Oppose
  
• AB183 – This legislation was brought forth from the Eureka county advisory board to increase hunting opportunity and increase revenue for the Heritage account.
  Commission Position: Support with an amendment to also change 501.3575, section 2), subsection (a) to read;

  (a) A bid, auction, or partnership in wildlife drawing, or Silver State Tag Drawing conducted pursuant to NRS 502.250;

  And, to amend 502.250 section 5, subsection to read:

  5. The Commission may accept sealed bids for [or may] award through a auction, Silver State Tag Drawing, or any combination thereof,

• AB194 – This law enforcement bill is on regulation of professional guides, making a second offense of guiding without a valid license a Class E Felony.
  Commission Position: Tabled until more information was available.
  
• AB241 –- This bill mandates that no less than 40% of Heritage money must go to control predators for mule deer.
  Commission Position: Oppose
  
• AB246 –- The Apprentice Hunting License bill creates a try before you buy opportunity for new hunters to go hunting with a licensed mentor, exempting the apprentice from hunter education once in their life.
  Commission Position: Support with amendment proposed by Assemblyman Bobzien.
  
• AB362 – Requires that the $3 predator fee must only be used for Commission approved project related to predator control for the enhancement of mule deer.
  Commission Position: Oppose, even with amendments.
  
• AB437 – This bill is for the “Dream Tag” drawing to provide more hunting opportunity through a raffle or lottery managed by a non-profit.
  Commission Position: Oppose
  
• AB516 – Requires the Board of Wildlife Commissioners must approve the use of that money and certain fees and any matching money received by the Department before it’s deposited into the Wildlife Account.
  Commission Position: Oppose, even with amendments.
  
• SB 42 – This bill would transfer final authority over the acceptance of certain public buildings and structures from the State Public Works Board to the deputy manager for compliance and code enforcement.
  Commission Position: Support as amended.
  
• SB108 – This would require removal of mining claim posts in order to prevent animals from getting trapped in them.
  Commission Position: Support as amended.
  
• SB146 – This bill would provide funding to the Department of Wildlife for sage-grouse and wildfire rehab from the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Question 1 funding. It also creates and funds a coordinator position for the War on Cheat grass.
  Commission Position: Support as amended.
  
• SB280 – Addresses the transfer of Carson Lake and Pasture property to NDOW in 1-2 years and the hunting fee currently charged there.
  Commission Position: Support as amended.
  
• SB394 – This bill is the latest version of the Off-Highway Vehicle registration bill. In this version, Game wardens are outlined to assist with law enforcement of current registrations.
  Commission Policy: Neutral as written.

The department will draft a letter on behalf of the Commission, to be signed by Chairman Gerald Lent stating its positions. NDOW Director Ken Mayer, or his designee will attend hearings and communicate the positions to the pertinent committees and houses of the legislature.

More information on each specific bill can be found on the NBWC section of the NDOW website here.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.