Bill > S05014

This bill enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act", which prohibits the import, export, transportation, processing, sale, purchase, trade, and possession of parts or products from six specific African wildlife species: African Elephant, African Leopard, African Lion, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, and African Giraffe. The bill provides limited exceptions for existing possessions, allowing individuals to retain items owned before the law's effective date by obtaining a certificate of possession from the secretary of state. Additionally, museums chartered by the board of regents may keep such items in their collections, provided they are not sold or distributed to private parties. The bill also allows for transfer of these items to legal heirs or trust beneficiaries, with similar restrictions on subsequent sales. Law enforcement officers are granted authority to search for, seize, and hold these items during legal proceedings, and upon conviction, the items may be offered to scientific institutions or destroyed. Penalties for violations can include forfeiture of property and potential imprisonment of up to two years. The law will take effect one year after being signed, giving individuals and organizations time to comply with the new restrictions.