Game Law update amended, advanced

A bill updating several provisions related to the state Game and Parks Commission received first-round approval from lawmakers Feb. 11 after it was amended to remove a proposed penalty for wildlife trafficking.

Plymouth Sen. Tom Brandt, sponsor of LB979, said the bill would make a series of changes to Nebraska’s Game Law.

He said the measure would clarify how funds are used for wildlife damage abatement and authorize the commission to use the Game Law Investigation Cash Fund for vehicles, equipment, digital services and training needed to help conservation officers investigate “complex and organized poaching activity.”

LB979 also would increase fee caps for various licenses, permits and applications and allow the commission to establish and collect reasonable fees for providing fish and wildlife education programs.

Brandt said the proposal also would increase motorboat registration fees to reflect increased enforcement and access costs.

The bill as introduced includes a provision to address what Brandt called “organized wildlife commercialization and trafficking schemes.” Under the provision, a person who possesses, transports, sells, purchases, barters, trades, imports or exports wildlife taken in violation of the Game Law would be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor.

If the aggregate value of the wildlife exceeds $10,000 within a period of three consecutive years, the person would be guilty of a Class III felony.

A Natural Resources Committee amendment, adopted 26-0, removed the felony penalty enhancement.

LB979 then advanced to select file on a 25-0 vote.