Senate Bill No. 1523 amends existing laws regarding the management of wildlife that damage agricultural crops and livestock. The bill allows the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to issue permits for the taking of wildlife that threatens or causes damage to crops, livestock, or apiaries, including damage verified from the previous growing season. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for property owners or lessees to first attempt reasonable nonlethal methods of protection before obtaining a permit. Additionally, it specifies that permits can only be issued to the property owner, their agent, or a lessee with written permission from the owner, and it prohibits the taking of federally protected species.

Furthermore, the bill expands the circumstances under which individuals may use deadly physical force against bears, now including situations where a bear is injuring or killing controlled livestock. The bill also eliminates the notarization requirement for permit applications related to nuisance wildlife. The changes aim to streamline the process for managing wildlife that poses a threat to agricultural interests while ensuring that the DEEP maintains oversight over the issuance and conditions of such permits. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.