SPONSOR: Pietzman
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 12 to 7.
This bill requires the Department of Conservation, for the first two years after the effective date of any new administrative penalty imposed by rule, to provide at least one warning before imposing the penalty on an individual or entity. The requirement to issue a warning does not apply to modifications of a rule or regulation that only establishes seasons or limits and does not modify an administrative penalty.
This bill is similar to HCS HB 2528 (2020).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that most people try to obey the laws of the state, but the Wildlife Code is extensive and sometimes hunters and fishermen may not be aware of a new or revised portion of the code. This bill would ensure that people are educated about the new laws but not penalized when they are unaware of changes.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Pietzman. Additional written testimony was submitted in support of the bill.
OPPONENTS: Written testimony was submitted in opposition to the bill.
OTHERS: Others testifying on the bill said that the Conservation Commission and its rulemaking process allow for multiple opportunities for public input on all rule changes. In addition, the Commission and the Department make great efforts to educate the public of the changes.
Testifying on the bill was Aaron Jeffries, Missouri Department Of Conservation.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: