Hunting for Other Bills: A Look at 2005 Game, Fish and Outdoor Heritage Proposals
By State Senator Claire Robling
February 24, 2005
For those of you following the 2005 session, it may seem the Legislature is completely consumed by high-profile issues like the budget, transportation funding and a smoking ban. However, there are a number of initiatives already introduced that are focused on a faction of Minnesota vital to our state’s success: our outdoor heritage. As in previous sessions, these initiatives may not get all the attention and headlines they deserve, but are important to many Minnesotans.
Though there are far too many bills to summarize them all, here is a brief description of some proposals introduced in the Minnesota Senate this session:
Restrictions on Non-resident Fishing Licenses (Senate File 655)
Republican Senator Pat Pariseau has introduced a bill that would restrict residents of certain states from fishing during the first 14 days of the Minnesota fishing season. In addition, they would face stricter license regulations and fees and would be charged a boat access fee if using a boat not registered in Minnesota.
The proposal comes in response to North Dakota prohibiting Minnesota waterfowl hunters from hunting during a portion of North Dakota’s regular season. The proposed restrictions would only apply to states that impose similar restrictions on Minnesota residents, in order to level the currently inequitable playing field. To protect our tourism industry, the plan would also exempt any non-residents that are staying at a resort, hotel or motel in Minnesota. This plan is aimed at opening a dialogue with North Dakota about the issue, as Attorney General Mike Hatch has been unable to forge an agreement after filing a lawsuit against North Dakota on this issue last year.
Giving Members of the Armed Forces Preference for Fish and Game Licenses (Senate File 825)
Under a bill introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives, members of the armed forces and recently discharged veterans would receive preferred treatment in lotteries for certain hunting and fishing licenses and permits. Those who are actively serving or have served during the previous two years would be eligible for preferred status. This proposal is just one small way our state can say “thank you” to those who serve and protect our families in the military.
Restricting the Operation of Off Highway Vehicles (Senate File 720)
This controversial bill would continue to build on the OHV legislation passed in the previous two sessions. The bill would increase the civil penalties for operation of an OHV in violation of Minnesota Statutes from a maximum of $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses to $5,000. The bill would also allow the Commissioner of Public Safety to record any OHV violation on the persons driving record. The bill increases the level of criminal penalties for several OHV offenses from a misdemeanor to gross misdemeanor and allows law enforcement agencies to seize the OHV of an offender with or without process. While some have deemed this legislation as overly severe, proponents say it takes the next step towards truly dealing with flagrant violators who are threatening Minnesota’s forests and wetlands.
Governor’s Proposal to Replace the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR)
Currently, the LCMR consists of 20 Legislators who direct the funding of numerous environment and natural resource projects throughout the state. The money for these projects comes from State Lottery proceeds which are deposited into the Environmental Trust Fund. Under this proposal, the LCMR would be replaced with the Minnesota Conservation Heritage Foundation. This Foundation would consist of a board of 11 members appointed by the Governor with staggered six year terms. To be eligible for membership, a person must demonstrate expertise in science, policy, or practice of the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of our natural resources. This foundation would then direct the funding of projects that benefit the environment in Minnesota. The Governor has proposed this plan because of the lack of a long term strategic plan to address the state’s conservation needs. He contends that LCMR is a multi-step, bureaucratic, multi-year process that can’t react quickly to new opportunities. The Governor also believes that the current process is too political, which leads to public concerns about whether the LCMR has strayed from the priorities contained in the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund constitutional dedication.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of bills that affect anglers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and the game and fish industry in Minnesota. Ultimately, there will likely be an Omnibus Game and Fish Bill that will include many of these issues and proposals. And while other issues may receive more attention over the next few months, these proposals could have an impact on a significant piece of our state’s economic engine and the outdoor opportunities that so many Minnesota families cherish.
To learn more about these proposals, or to keep updated on any of the work at the Capitol, feel free to visit the Minnesota Legislature’s website at www.leg.state.mn.us.
Senator Robling is serving her 3rd term in the Minnesota Senate. She encourages and appreciates constituent input, and can be reached at (651)296-4123, by mail at 143 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via e-mail at sen.claire.robling@senate.mn.
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