AB38: Bill Text

LRB-1858/2

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1995 - 1996 LEGISLATURE

1995 Assembly BILL 38

January 26, 1995 - Introduced by Representatives Gard, Lehman, Goetsch, Ward, Musser, Ladwig, Brandemuehl, Kreuser, Dobyns, Owens, Ryba, Ainsworth, Seratti, Harsdorf, Grothman, Skindrud and Otte, cosponsored by Senator Drzewiecki. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources.

AB38,1,2 An Act to amend 29.535 (2); and to create 29.535 (2m) of the statutes; relating to: introduction of wild animals.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Under current law, no person may introduce into this state a wild animal unless the department of natural resources (DNR) issues the person a permit. Current law defines "wild animal" to be any mammal, bird or fish "or other creature of a wild nature".

Under this bill, DNR may not issue a permit, fund or otherwise allow the introduction in a county of a wild animal that does not inhabit that county and that may cause damage to agricultural crops or livestock unless that county and the conservation congress have approved the introduction of the wild animal. The conservation congress is an organization of Wisconsin citizens that serves in an advisory capacity to the natural resources board.

For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

AB38, s. 1 Section 1. 29.535 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB38,1,7 29.535 (2) Nothing Except as provided in sub. (2m), nothing in this section shall prohibit the department or its duly authorized agents from bringing into the state for the purpose of planting, introducing or stocking, or to plant, introduce or stock in this state, any fish, bird or animal.

AB38, s. 2 Section 2. 29.535 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

AB38,2,6 29.535 (2m) (a) The department may not make a decision to issue a permit for, fund or otherwise allow the introduction in a county of a wild animal that does not inhabit that county and that is likely to cause damage to livestock, apiaries, orchards, or agricultural crops, including Christmas trees and nursery stock, unless all of the following have approved the introduction of the wild animal:

AB38,2,7 1. The county board of the county in which the wild animal may be introduced.

AB38,2,8 2. The conservation congress.

AB38,2,11 (b) A decision by the department to issue a permit for, fund or otherwise allow introduction of a wild animal that is subject to the procedure under par. (a) is reviewable under ch. 227.

AB38,2,12 (End)