Expanded Game and Parks powers passed

Senators passed a bill March 28 that expands powers delegated to the state Game and Parks Commission.

LB499, introduced by Bancroft Sen. Lydia Brasch, establishes a new set of administrative procedures under which commission orders can be passed.

The bill categorizes several issues including conservation orders, seasons, open and closed areas and bag limits under the new administrative procedures. This will allow the commission to make changes to the orders at the same meeting in response to public input before publishing final orders.

An additional provision enables the commission to close game seasons due to disease epidemics or other extenuating circumstances on an emergency, case-by-case basis.

The bill passed on a 44-0 vote.