Bill > H0302

This bill amends Idaho's fish and game laws to establish new procedures for transplanting or relocating wildlife across the state. The legislation requires the Director of the Department of Fish and Game to provide at least 30 days' notice to county commissioners and affected land owners or permittees before undertaking any wildlife transplant or relocation (with exceptions for game fish and certain predatory wildlife). If any affected individual or entity expresses written concern within 10 days of notification, the county commissioners must hold a hearing within 30 days, and they will have the final vote to approve, modify, or reject the proposed wildlife transplant or relocation. The bill also expands existing disease testing requirements to include wolves in addition to other large mammals like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, mandating that any imported, transported, or tracked animals must be tested for communicable diseases that could potentially affect domestic livestock. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes protecting existing livestock and sheep operations by requiring written agreements that acknowledge potential risks of disease transmission or wildlife invasion. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause indicating its immediate importance to the state's wildlife management strategies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Ways and Means Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0302/