Bill No.: HB0024 Drafter: MRW

LSO No.: 06LSO-0022 Effective Date: 7/1/2006

Enrolled Act No.: HEA0049

Chapter No.: 87

Prime Sponsor: Joint Agriculture, Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee

Catch Title: Predator management program.

Subject: Predator management boards, districts and fees.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Changes "predatory animal districts" to "predator management districts" and district boards.

· Changes "predatory animal advisory board" to "predator management advisory board" and district boards.

· Add directors to the district boards to represent sportsmen and hunters if state funds are used for that district.

· Provides for election of some and appointment of other directors.

· Adds goats to the livestock for which predator fees are collected.

· Modifies the annual meeting date of predator management districts to the first two weeks in December.

· Allows for management of damage from predacious birds and provides for comprehensive predator management to address livestock, wildlife and public health concerns.

· Provides for coordination to develop a comprehensive predator management program for each district.

· Increases the fees collected on livestock for the predator management fee.

· Adds "predacious birds" to the control list.

· Appropriates of $6 Million from the general fund to the department of agriculture to fund the predator management program.

· Adds one additional full-time position to the department of agriculture to administer the predator management program.

Comments:

· Requires the department of agriculture to submit a report to the Joint Agriculture, Public Lands and Natural Resources Interim Committee by October 1, 2006, and annually thereafter.