North Dakota Game and Fish Department wants to make hunters aware of new legislation taking effect this summer. They released the following:
The NDGFD tracked 40 outdoors-related bills during the 2019 legislative session, 21 of which were passed by both chambers and signed into law. The list can be read in full here.
The following bills take effect Aug. 1, unless the bill includes an emergency clause which indicates it is already in effect.
HB 1021 – Included in the Information Technology Department’s appropriation, during the 2019-21 interim. A 14 member land access committee (with nine voting members) will study access to public and private lands. For hunting, trapping, fishing and related issues, including trespass violations and penalties, and provide recommendations regarding a land access database with capabilities of electronic posting. The study committee may establish a trial electronic posting. And hunter access information system in up to three counties prior to Aug. 1, 2020. And report findings and recommendations to the next legislative assembly.
HB 1066 – Returns the funding limit to the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund to $20 million per fiscal year.
HB 1209 – Allows the use of dogs in the recovery of big game animals.
HB 1246 – Defines the eligibility requirements relating to gratis licenses for hunting big game and to provide a legislative study.
HB 1286 – Amends the century code relating to law enforcement agencies reporting seizures and forfeitures.
HB 1366 – Allows the use of a telescopic sight on a crossbow with a maximum power of 8×32.
HB 1412 – Allows the use of night vision, thermal vision or infrared light with a power source of not more than six volts while hunting coyote, fox, raccoon or beaver during the open season, and on a predatory animal attacking and attempting to destroy poultry, livestock or other property.
HB 1462 – Changes the seven white-tailed deer licenses to four. Any-whitetail and three any-antlered deer licenses, that are provided to the outdoor adventure foundation to be used by youth with life-threatening illnesses.
HB 1503 – Requires an individual who enters private property and installs a device for observing, recording or photographing wildlife to either receive written permission from the landowner, or identifies the device with a permanently affixed metal or plastic tag with a registration number issued by the Game and Fish Department, or the individual’s name, address and telephone number.
SB 2034 – Defines the terms “firearm” or “weapon” and clarifies who can carry. This included minors under age 15 carrying a muzzleloader under direct supervision.
SB 2239 – Defines open records laws/exemptions of animal tracking databases for animal health purposes. Including state and federal agencies to be able to collect information to assist in animal disease control or tracking an animal disease. Declared an emergency measure.
