The proposed bill amends Chapter 20-13 of the General Laws, introducing a new section, 20-13-19, which prohibits wildlife killing contests, also known as predator hunting contests, on both state and private lands. These contests are defined as organized competitions aimed at hunting furbearers for cash, prizes, or other incentives. The bill explicitly forbids individuals, organizations, or businesses from organizing, sponsoring, promoting, conducting, or participating in such contests, with specific exceptions for field trials, authorized wildlife damage control activities, and lawful hunting or trapping activities that do not occur during a contest.

Violations of this new prohibition will incur fines, starting at $500 for individuals on a first offense, escalating for repeat offenders. Organizations or businesses face higher initial fines of $1,000, with increased penalties for subsequent violations. The bill is designed to take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting a commitment to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices.