PROHIBIT USE OF AERIAL AND UNDERWATER

DEVICES IN CONNECTION WITH HUNTING/FISHING

Senate Bill 54 (passed by the Senate as Substitute S-1)

Sponsor:  Sen. Tom Casperson

Senate Bill 55 (passed by the Senate as Substitute S-1)

Sponsor:  Sen. Phil Pavlov

House Committee:  Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee:  Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 2-23-15

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 54 would prohibit the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned submersible vehicle (USV) to interfere with or harass an individual who is lawfully engaged in hunting or fishing.

Senate Bill 55 would prohibit the use of a UAV (or "drone") to take game.  

Both bills would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, and would take effect 90 days after being enacted into law. The bills are tie-barred, meaning neither can take effect unless both are enacted into law.

Senate Bill 54 also would add the definitions of a UAV and a USV.  A UAV would be defined as "an unmanned vehicle or device that uses aerodynamic forces to achieve flight." A USV would be defined as "an unmanned vehicle or device that operates on the surface of water or underwater."

Section 40112 of NREPA currently states that "a person shall not obstruct or interfere in the lawful taking of animals by another person," and then lists specific actions which constitute obstruction or interference, as well as a general prohibition on engaging "in any other act or behavior for the purpose of violating this section." The use of a UAV or USV "to interfere with or harass another individual who is engaged in the process of lawfully taking an animal or fish" would be added the list of specifically prohibited acts and behaviors.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Senate Bills 54 and 55 would have no fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources.

                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   Josh Roesner

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.