Day 35 of 40
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Legislative Daily Update: Day 35 of 40
Brought to you by SDWF Camo-Coalition
Current action;
The Gov.’s 3 bills 2 passed and License plate bill failed.
SB 153: authorize the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to provide for a special hunting license with the proceeds to be used for habitat. Passed to Gov.
SB 176: make an appropriation for the second century habitat fund and to declare an emergency. Passed to Gov.
HB 1181: create a habitat conservation emblem specialty plate. Failed and died
Most of the bills we were concerned about have all been amended or are a couple of the Gov.’s bills. We are basically in the watch mode.
When you are following the Legislation we are watching, and the bill is passed out of the original side that it was introduced in, we will move it to where the bill is currently being debated HB to Senate and Senate to the House side. Example below. HB 1031 is now listed on the Senate side because it has passed the House.
HB = House Bill SB = Senate Bill
SDWF comments on the Bill
Location of Bill and scheduled hearing of Bill
Link to actual Bill
House Bills:
Senate Bills:
HB 1181: create a habitat conservation emblem specialty plate. This is a good idea, but requires new plates to be issued and installed every year. Some of us look at each new plate as collectibles, and others look at the annual cost, or would prefer not to have to change plates on an annual basis, especially those of us who must do so in the dead of winter. The bill does not give the final price for the plates each year, except it is expected to be $20 to $30 for the sticker, plus $10 will be added for administrative costs and fees. However, this is a voluntary tax, and SDWF supports the concept. Passed House to failed in SEnate http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1181&Session=201
Finalizations:
HB 1023: revise certain provisions regarding the sale and purchase of big game animal parts. This removes one law and alters another one and is a GFP sponsored bill. This bill is necessary because GF&P changed the archery season to allow hunters to kill bucks in velvet. Passed House Passed Senate Ag, to the Gov. http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1023&Session=2019
HB 1024: authorize certain species of game fish to be used as bait This bill allows certain game fish (bluegills) to be used as bait. While it is not the most pressing or important issue, SDWF disagrees with using game fish as bait. However, other laws still apply as far as methods of take, limits and sales of game fish. The overall effect will be minimal. Passed House to Senate Passed tro the Gov.
http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1024&Session=2019
HB 1031: authorize certain wind and solar easements and leases by the commissioner of School and Public Lands. If passed would allow these types of projects onto public lands. The SD Constitution stipulates that the SPL must try to make as much money as they can to help fund our schools. Passed House passed Senate to Gov.’s desk http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1031&Session=2019
HB 1054: revise certain provisions regarding the possession of firearms on certain vehicles SDWF is monitoring. We see no pressing reason to oppose this bill. The law against discharging a firearm at game animals from a vehicle (stationary or not) will still apply. Passed House Passed Senate to Gov. http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1054&Session=2019
HB 1073: revise provisions regarding the killing of certain birds or animals from an aircraft. If passed would allow persons to check and locate varmints and predators with an airplane or drone. On private property only and with permission from landowner. All public lands are excluded. Passed House, Passed Senate to Gov.
http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1073&Session=2019
HB 1100: revise certain programs regarding landowner rights. This bill is a carcass, no language associated with bill. Was withdrawn by sponsor (DEAD) http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1100&Session=2019
HB 1145: establish certain provisions regarding the mowing of rights-of-way adjacent to the state trunk highway system. House Transportation passed to 41s day (DEAD). http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1145&Session=2019
HB 1152: provide for the permitting of outfitters and guides. This bill is a carcass no language associated with bill. Was Tabled (DEAD) by sponsor.
http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1152&Session=2019
HB 1159: repeal a provision that prohibits hunting mourning doves on public roads and highways. SDWF supports this bill, but a note of caution: SD lost road hunting for doves decades ago because of the unethical actions of a few. We believe the current law forbidding shooting sitting birds, plus the laws against shooting to close to buildings and reckless discharge of weapons will prevent future problems. Passed House passed Senate to Gov. http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1159&Session=2019
HB 1162 provide for the expiration of certain statutory authority regarding the promulgation of rules by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission. House Ag. Tabled (Dead) http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1162&Session=2019
HB 1182: require a balanced and representative membership on the Game, Fish and Parks Commission This is an interesting bill and a great improvement on what we have. The requirements for serving are very good. SDWF strongly supports this bill. , House Ag. Passed to 41st day. (DEAD) http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1182&Session=2019
HB 1201 revise provisions regarding group pheasant hunts for disabled veterans. Passed House to Senate Military, passed Senate to Gov.
.http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1201&Session=2019
HB 1242 include opossums within the definition of predator. Passed House Passed Senate to Gov.
http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=1242&Session=2019
SB 33: authorize the commissioner of school and public lands to sell and acquire certain real property. If passed it is to allow the SPL to buy and trade for access to larger land locked SPL lands. Passed Senate to House Ag, tabled (DEAD) requested by sponsor http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=33&Session=2019
SB 63: increase the penalty for a subsequent conviction for trespass to hunt, fish, or trap Now that the bill has been amended, SDWF can support the enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Passed Senate, Passed House. To Gov.’s desk. http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=63&Session=2019
SB 153: authorize the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to provide for a special hunting license with the proceeds to be used for habitat. This bill is extremely unclear how the special license will be used, including the game species, and how the funds will be spent: “Proceeds from the application fee collected shall be used for habitat programs.” There are dozens of current or potential habitat programs, including cost share for food plots on private lands and spraying weeds on GPAs. We need more information and input before deciding to support this bill or not. Money spent does not necessarily equal money well spent, and these are sportsman’s dollars. In addition, this will possibly end up with nonresidents being able to apply for elk and East River any deer special hunting licenses. Currently, nonresident are not allowed in these drawings. SDWF is monitoring. Passed Senate to House Ag. Passed House.to Gov.
http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=153&Session=2019
SB 176: make an appropriation for the second century habitat fund and to declare an emergency. This is a Gov.’s bill where she is asking the Leg. To budget $1 Million and offer it up as matching funds raised for habitat; $1 for $1 in private donations. SDWF will support. Scheduled for hearing 2-27-2019in Joint Appropriations. Passed $500,000 http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=176&Session=2019
SB 183: revise certain provisions regarding buffer strips. The Bill was hog-housed today, the new language is on the below link. Senate Ag, Passed to 41st day (DEAD) http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/Bill.aspx?Bill=183&Session=2019
How to contact your Legislator:
Go to http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/ContactLegislator.aspx?Session=2019 this will pull up all members of the House and Senate simply click on the Legislator you want your message sent to and create or paste your message.
If you do not know who your Legislator is go to this link:
http://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Who_Are_My_Legislators/default.aspx?CurrentSession=True
Or call and leave a message with the pages; tell them who message is for, the message, who you are. The page will deliver your phone message to their desk
Senate 773-3821
House 773-3851
Please write your response in your own words. It is fine to use our suggestions, but best if you do not simply just copy our points. Make your message a personal note from you to them. Include a family fishing picture if you have one for effect. As always, be polite and respectful.
Please include your name, number and address on all messages sent to your Legislators.
Thank you for all that you do! Together we can and do make a difference!