Bill > S464

This bill aims to further regulate the enforcement of illegal hunting practices. The key provisions are: - It increases the fines and penalties for various hunting violations, including higher fines for unlawfully killing or possessing deer, bear, and wild turkey. It also establishes mandatory minimum fines and potential jail time for certain offenses. - It requires posting of notice at the borders of wildlife sanctuaries to provide conspicuous notice to the public of prohibitions. It also provides an affirmative defense against alleged violations if the required notice was not posted. - It allows the state to revoke or suspend hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses for certain violations for periods ranging from 1 year to permanent revocation. - It creates a "Wildlife Violator Compact" that allows the state to recognize and enforce license suspensions or revocations imposed by other participating states, and establishes procedures for the interstate sharing of information about wildlife violations. - It imposes enhanced penalties, including fines up to $15,000 and up to 5 years in prison, for repeat offenders who commit multiple violations involving 3 or more animals within a 10-year period.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S464