A bill clarifying property rights is advancing to a house vote.
The House bill revises situations when the Game, Fish and Parks Department can seize and dispose of contraband while enforcing hunting or fishing laws. That includes any game, guns, vehicles, or other belongings.
Interim Secretary Kevin Robling says it codifies existing GFP practices.
“It establishes a clearly defined process that requires the court to determine if property is ultimately being used illegally while still allowing law enforcement to seize property for evidentiary purposes.”
Robling says a judge determines whether the department can return seized property.
The bill passed unanimously. It now moves to the full House of Representatives.