This bill aims to enhance penalties for violations related to the illegal taking or possession of certain game animals and birds. It mandates restitution for offenders, changing the language from "may" to "shall" in RSA 207:55, ensuring that convicted individuals must pay restitution to the state for the value of illegally taken or possessed animals. The restitution amounts have been significantly increased for various species, such as raising the restitution for deer from $250 to $1,000 and for wild turkey from $200 to $500. Additionally, the bill stipulates that individuals failing to make restitution payments will be ineligible to purchase any licenses from the fish and game department until their payments are completed.

Furthermore, the bill introduces stricter consequences for repeat offenders. It allows for a longer suspension of hunting licenses for individuals found guilty of fish and game violations, specifically for a third offense within seven years, which can result in a suspension of one to seven years. It also establishes a Class A misdemeanor penalty for habitual offenders who accumulate three separate violations that carry a license suspension penalty within the same timeframe. These changes are intended to strengthen enforcement of fish and game laws and promote responsible hunting practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37
HB655 text: 207:55, 214:19, 214:37