Bill > HB1382

This bill modifies Oklahoma's regulations for commercial wildlife harvesting facilities, primarily focusing on cervidae (deer and elk) and other exotic species. The legislation establishes a new commercial harvesting facility license administered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, which will cost $300 annually and expire on August 31st each year. The bill prohibits propagating or holding state wildlife in captivity and requires applicants to prove that their animals were not sourced from wild Oklahoma stock. The Department of Agriculture will have inspection authority with probable cause, and the State Veterinarian or their designees can conduct inspections. The bill also amends existing wildlife licensing regulations, removing previous inspection powers from wildlife conservation game wardens and adjusting license fee structures. Importantly, the law maintains strict guidelines about the origins of captive wildlife, requiring documentation to prove animals were legally acquired from sources outside of Oklahoma's wild populations. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, and aims to provide clearer regulatory oversight of commercial wildlife harvesting operations in the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1382&Session=2600