Bill > HF4331

This bill modifies the provisions for farmed Cervidae (a family of hoofed mammals including deer, elk, and reindeer) escape and identification requirements. The key changes are: 1. Owners must immediately notify the Commissioner of Natural Resources if farmed Cervidae escape, rather than within 24 hours. 2. Licensed hunters are allowed to legally kill and possess escaped farmed Cervidae, and are not liable to the owner for the loss of the animal. 3. Escaped farmed Cervidae killed by hunters or destroyed by the Commissioner must be tested for chronic wasting disease at the owner's expense. 4. Farmed Cervidae identification requirements are expanded to include either global positioning system technology or contact information to enable the owner to be readily identified, in addition to the existing distinct numbering system. The bill aims to improve the management of escaped farmed Cervidae and enhance identification requirements to better track and address escaped animals.