Assigned to NR FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1709
unlawful feeding of wildlife; exception
Purpose
Adds placing holiday-related decorations outside of a residence or property to the
exceptions for unlawful feeding of wildlife.
Background
A person commits unlawful feeding of wildlife by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly
feeding, attracting or otherwise enticing wildlife into an area. Exceptions are granted for: 1) a
person lawfully taking or holding wildlife pursuant to statute and the Arizona Game and Fish
Commission rules; 2) public employees or authorized agents acting within the scope of their
authority for public safety or for wildlife management purposes; 3) normal agricultural or livestock
operational practices; and 4) feeding tree squirrels or birds. Unlawful feeding of wildlife is a petty
offense (A.R.S. § 13-2927). Statute requires a person charged with a petty offense to pay a fine of
not more than $300 fixed by the court (A.R.S. § 13-802).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Adds placing holiday-related decorations outside of a residence or property to the exceptions
for unlawful feeding of wildlife, if the decorations are not intended to feed, attract or otherwise
entice wildlife.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2025
SB/slp