Bill Text: MN HF2350 | 2011-2012 | 87th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Scopes allowed on muzzleloaders.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-20 - Introduction and first reading, referred to Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance [HF2350 Detail]

Download: Minnesota-2011-HF2350-Introduced.html

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A bill for an act

relating to game and fish; allowing scopes on muzzleloaders;amending
Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 97B.031, subdivision 5.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 97B.031, subdivision 5, is
amended to read:
    Subd. 5. Scopes; visually impaired hunters on muzzleloaders. (a)
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner may issue a special
permit, without a fee, to A person may use a muzzleloader with a scope to take deer
during the muzzleloader season to a person who obtains the required licenses and who has
a visual impairment. The scope may not have magnification capabilities.
(b) The visual impairment must be to the extent that the applicant is unable
to identify targets and the rifle sights at the same time without a scope. The visual
impairment and specific conditions must be established by medical evidence verified in
writing by (1) a licensed physician or a certified nurse practitioner or certified physician
assistant acting under the direction of a licensed physician; (2) a licensed ophthalmologist;
or (3) a licensed optometrist. The commissioner may request additional information from
the physician if needed to verify the applicant's eligibility for the permit.
(c) A permit issued under this subdivision may be valid for up to five years, based
on the permanence of the visual impairment as determined by the licensed physician,
ophthalmologist, or optometrist.
(d) The permit must be in the immediate possession of the permittee when hunting
under the special permit.
(e) The commissioner may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under
this subdivision for cause, including a violation of the game and fish laws or rules.
(f) A person who knowingly makes a false application or assists another in making
a false application for a permit under this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. A
physician, certified nurse practitioner, certified physician assistant, ophthalmologist, or
optometrist who fraudulently certifies to the commissioner that a person is visually
impaired as described in this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.