Bill > S496

This bill aims to prohibit the sale, purchase, or possession with intent to sell ivory or rhinoceros horn, with some exceptions. The key provisions include: 1. Defining "ivory", "rhinoceros horn", "total value", and "bona fide educational or scientific institution" for the purposes of the bill. 2. Establishing prima facie evidence of possession with intent to sell when a person possesses ivory or rhinoceros horn in a retail or wholesale outlet. 3. Providing exemptions for certain activities, such as law enforcement, federal authorizations, use in musical instruments, antique items, and transfers to educational or scientific institutions. 4. Imposing penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment, with higher penalties for repeat offenses or large-value violations. 5. Creating the Elephant Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Trafficking Enforcement Fund to support enforcement and educational efforts related to the provisions of the bill. 6. Requiring the director of law enforcement to report annually on the fund's activity. 7. Specifying that the act will take effect one year from the date of passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S496