This bill aims to enhance penalties and regulations related to fish and game violations. It mandates restitution for the illegal taking or possession of certain animals, increasing the restitution amounts significantly for various species, such as raising the restitution for deer from $250 to $1,000 and for wild turkey from $200 to $500. The bill also establishes mandatory restitution payments for convicted individuals, who must reimburse the state for the value of the illegally taken animals. Additionally, it introduces a class A misdemeanor penalty for individuals found guilty of three separate violations of fish and game laws within seven years, and it allows for increased hunting license suspensions for repeat offenders.

Furthermore, the bill removes the requirement for a perpetual crossbow permit for individuals with disabilities, instead requiring the executive director to retain records for a minimum of seven years. It also adds Atlantic menhaden to the list of species that nonresidents cannot take unless their home state provides reciprocal licensing privileges. The effective date for certain sections of the bill is set for 60 days after passage, while other provisions will take effect immediately upon passage. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen enforcement and compliance with fish and game laws to protect wildlife resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37
As Amended by the House: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37, 207:10-c
As Amended by the Senate: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37, 207:10-c, 211:49-a
HB655 text: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37