Wisconsin Senate Bill SB799

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/12/23
• Refer: 12/12/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Chronic wasting disease sampling and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The bill is poised to centralize and streamline efforts in managing chronic wasting disease within the state, enhancing the DNR's existing protocols. By formally codifying the self-service sampling kiosks into law, the bill seeks to reduce barriers for hunters in reporting and testing for CWD. This could lead to more significant awareness and control of the disease, which is pertinent not only for wildlife health but also for the demographics and economy of communities reliant on deer hunting. The program allows the DNR to contract private entities, introducing a level of flexibility and innovation in the sampling process.

Summary

Senate Bill 799 is aimed at enhancing the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD) among deer populations in Wisconsin. The bill mandates the establishment and administration of self-service sampling kiosks where hunters can drop off deer carcass parts for CWD testing. This initiative is designed to facilitate easier and more efficient monitoring of the disease, providing necessary data to manage public health and wildlife conservation effectively. Furthermore, it allocates a budget of $200,000 for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) over the fiscal biennium of 2023-25 to support the program's implementation and operations.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB799 may encounter some contention regarding its funded approach and implications for hunters. Some stakeholders may question the efficacy of self-service kiosks versus traditional testing methods, and there may be concerns about the costs associated with private contracting for sampling. Additionally, the balance between regulation and hunter accessibility could spark debate among conservation groups, hunters, and policymakers alike. As with any legislation relating to wildlife management, there will likely be discussions on the best methods for managing public lands and resources in the face of ecological pressures.