Bill Text: GA SB206 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Wildlife Control Permits; provisions
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-03-22 - House Second Readers [SB206 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2011-SB206-Engrossed.html
11 LC
25 5877S (SCS)
Senate
Bill 206
By:
Senator Bulloch of the 11th
AS
PASSED SENATE
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
AN ACT
To
amend Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses and permits, so
as to change certain provisions relating to wildlife control permits; to
prohibit releasing any trapped or transported feral hog into any area that is
not fenced to prevent the escape of such feral hog onto the land of another; to
provide penalties for violations; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other
purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Article
1 of Chapter 2 of Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses and permits, is amended by revising
Code Section 27-2-31, relating to wildlife control permits, as
follows:
"27-2-31.
(a)
The department is authorized to issue wildlife control permits authorizing the
permittee to trap, transport and release, or kill wildlife and feral hogs where
such action is otherwise prohibited by law or regulation:
(1)
When the department determines that there is a substantial likelihood the
presence of such wildlife or feral hogs will endanger or cause injury to persons
or will destroy or damage agricultural crops, domestic animals, buildings,
structures, or other personal property;
(2)
For the control of white-tailed deer on airport property; provided, however,
that permits shall be issued under this paragraph for purposes of public safety,
and the control of white-tailed deer for other purposes and the removal of black
bear shall be as provided in Code Sections 27-2-18 and 27-3-21,
respectively;
(3)
For fur-bearing animals, as defined in paragraph (31) of Code Section 27-1-2, to
implement a bona fide wildlife management plan that has been approved by the
department; and
(4)
For feral hogs, provided that
all:
(A)
All permitted activities must comply with
all rules and regulations of the
Georgia
Department of
Agriculture.;
and
(B)(i)
No person shall release any trapped or transported feral hog into any area that
is not fenced to prevent the escape of such feral hog onto the land of
another.
(ii)
Any person who violates division (i) of this subparagraph shall, upon conviction
thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and shall be
punished as provided by Code Section 17-10-4; provided, however, that if a fine
is imposed pursuant to such Code section, such fine shall be not less than
$1,500.00.
(iii)
Any license or permit previously issued under this title to any person convicted
of violating division (i) of this subparagraph shall by operation of law be
revoked and shall not be reissued for a period of three years after the date of
such conviction. The licensee or permit holder shall be notified of the
revocation personally or by a letter sent by certified mail or statutory
overnight delivery to the name and address indicated on the application for the
license or permit, or both, or to the Secretary of State as provided in Code
Section 27-2-24.
(b)
In issuing a wildlife control permit, the department shall prescribe the method,
means, species, numbers, time limits, location, and any other conditions it
deems necessary to ensure the continued viability of the wildlife population
involved and to ensure that the public safety and interest are not
compromised.
(c)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to authorize the taking of any
species which is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, Public
Law 93-205, as amended, or under any state law or regulation which has as its
purpose the protection of endangered or threatened species."
SECTION
2.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.
