This bill amends Section 36-106 of the Idaho Code to establish new provisions regarding the transplant or relocation of certain wildlife, specifically bighorn sheep, and to require testing for certain diseases in animals imported, transported, or utilized for tracking purposes. The amendments include a requirement that the director of the Department of Fish and Game must provide reasonable notice to county commissioners and affected landowners before any transplant actions are taken. Additionally, the bill mandates that a management plan for bighorn sheep must be developed, considering existing domestic sheep grazing allotments, and that best management practices must be cooperatively developed with permittees.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new legal language that prohibits the director from expending funds or taking action on wildlife transplants until specific notifications and hearings are conducted. It also expands the list of animals that must be tested for communicable diseases to include wolves and outlines the collaborative process between the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Agriculture for disease monitoring and health programs. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36-106