HB 2644 Initials PAB Page 1 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session HB 2644: appropriation; wolf depredation investigator Sponsor: Representative Cook, LD 7 Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Overview Appropriates an unspecified amount of monies and 1 FTE from the state General Fund (GF) to the Arizona Department of Agriculture in FY 2024 to employ a peace officer to investigate wolf depredation on livestock and exempts this appropriation from lapsing. History The Livestock Loss Board was created to address wolf depredation on livestock operations. It consists of members from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the livestock industry, the wildlife conservation and management community and the state's universities (A.R.S. § 17-491). The Livestock Loss Board sets requirements for lessees and livestock operators to demonstrate wolf depredation and to apply for and receive compensation for any depredation. This board can coordinate with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other state and federal agencies to investigate wolf depredation on livestock. Any compensation for this depredation comes from the Livestock Loss Board's fund, which consists of federal monies, legislative appropriations, public and private grants and private donations. Fund monies can also be used to implement measures to prevent wolf depredation on livestock (A.R.S. §§ 17-492 and 17-493). Provisions 1. Appropriates an unspecified amount of monies and 1 FTE from the state GF to the Arizona Department of Agriculture in FY 2024 to employ a peace officer to investigate wolf depredation on livestock. (Sec. 1) 2. Exempts this appropriation from lapsing. (Sec. 1) ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note