Bill > SB212

This bill proposes to amend the Delaware Constitution by adding a new section that explicitly protects the right of individuals to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife as a valued part of the state's natural heritage. The proposed constitutional amendment establishes that hunting, fishing, and trapping are preferred methods of wildlife management, while also allowing the General Assembly, state agencies, and local governments to create laws, regulations, and ordinances that promote wildlife conservation and management. The bill includes important limitations to ensure that this new right does not override existing property rights, water rights, or the state's ability to regulate commercial activities. Specifically, the amendment would protect traditional hunting methods while preserving the government's power to suspend hunting licenses, regulate wildlife activities, and maintain existing legal standards. The bill is part of a broader national trend, with 21 other states having similar constitutional provisions protecting hunting and fishing rights. The legislation aims to enshrine a long-standing cultural practice into the state constitution, explicitly protecting these activities from potential future challenges while maintaining regulatory flexibility.

Government Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142739