The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating Section 40112, which addresses the unlawful obstruction or interference in the taking of animals or fish. Key changes include the clarification of language regarding violations, such as replacing "when" with "if" and modifying terms like "his or her" to "the individual's" for consistency. The bill also introduces new provisions that explicitly prohibit actions such as photographing or recording individuals engaged in lawful taking with the intent to harass, and it specifies that individuals who violate this section may face misdemeanor charges with increased penalties for repeat offenses.
Additionally, the bill allows for legal action to be taken against individuals who threaten to continue engaging in illegal conduct under this section, enabling courts to issue injunctions. The penalties for violations include fines and potential imprisonment, along with the revocation of any permits or licenses related to the taking of animals or fish. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these provisions do not apply to peace officers performing their lawful duties.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 324.40112