This bill amends existing laws related to fish and game violations, permits, and licenses. It introduces mandatory restitution for the illegal taking or possession of certain animals, increasing the penalties significantly for various species. For instance, restitution for deer is raised from $250 to $1,000, while penalties for other animals, such as wild turkeys and fur-bearing animals, are also increased. The bill mandates that courts order restitution payments, and failure to comply will result in contempt charges and ineligibility to purchase fishing or hunting licenses until payments are made. Additionally, the bill establishes a class A misdemeanor for individuals found guilty of three separate violations of fish and game laws within seven years, and it allows for longer license suspensions for repeat offenders.

Furthermore, the bill removes the requirement for crossbow permits for certain disabled individuals to be perpetual, instead requiring records to be kept for a minimum of seven years. It also adds Atlantic menhaden to the list of species that nonresidents cannot take unless their home state offers reciprocal licensing privileges. The effective date for sections of the bill varies, with some provisions taking effect 60 days after passage, while others become effective immediately upon passage.

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
Version adopted by both bodies: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37, 207:10-c, 211:49-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37, 207:10-c, 211:49-a
HB655 text: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37