The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission's authority to revoke or suspend licenses for wildlife-related violations. Under the new provisions, the Commission would be allowed to revoke or suspend a license and deny the right to secure another license for up to five years for individuals entering a deferred prosecution agreement, following a public hearing. This includes a range of violations, such as unlawful taking or possession of wildlife. Additionally, the bill introduces specific conditions under which an active license revocation can be terminated, including the completion of a deferred prosecution program and payment of civil penalties.

Furthermore, the bill enhances penalties for repeat offenders. It allows the Commission to revoke or suspend a person's privilege to take wildlife for up to ten years for a second violation and permanently for a third violation, with the same stipulations regarding deferred prosecution agreements. The bill also makes several technical changes to existing language, such as replacing "permit" with "allow" and clarifying the conditions under which civil penalties affect a person's ability to obtain a license. Overall, these updates aim to strengthen enforcement measures against wildlife violations while providing a pathway for rehabilitation through deferred prosecution agreements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-340
House Engrossed Version: 17-309, 17-340, 17-302
Senate Engrossed Version: 17-309, 17-340, 17-302
Chaptered Version: 17-309, 17-340, 17-302