Bill > H1479

This bill proposes to significantly increase penalties for violations of certain hunting and fishing laws, aiming to deter poaching and illegal wildlife activities. It raises fines for various offenses, with some fines escalating based on the number of animals involved in repeated violations within a ten-year period, and introduces longer license suspension or revocation periods, ranging from one year to a lifetime ban for repeat offenders. For instance, the bill increases a fine from $300 to $1000 for certain violations and later to $5000 for others, and establishes new penalties for multiple offenses involving specific species like deer, bear, turkey, and protected birds, with potential prison sentences of up to five years for severe repeat offenders. Additionally, it clarifies that licenses, permits, or certificates issued under this chapter become void upon conviction or penalty for certain violations and must be surrendered, with new applications being prohibited for extended periods.