If enacted, this bill would introduce several new provisions to Arizona's wildlife statutes, specifically by adding a new section, 17-106, to title 17, chapter 1, article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The bill would affirm that citizens have the right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, and it would clarify that wildlife is considered the property of the state, held in trust for the benefit of its citizens. Furthermore, it would establish that the legislature has exclusive authority to regulate hunting, fishing, and harvesting methods, while allowing for the delegation of rulemaking authority to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Additionally, the bill would prohibit the Commission from enacting any rules or policies that unreasonably restrict these activities or the use of traditional methods. It would also declare that public hunting and fishing are the preferred means of wildlife management and control. Importantly, the new section would not alter existing laws regarding trespass or property rights. The legislation would be officially titled the "Arizona Right to Hunt Act" and would take effect on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-106
House Engrossed Version: 17-106