Provide penalties for selling data/images from trail cams on public land
Impact
The passage of HB 547 would amend existing laws related to the management of fish and wildlife by imposing penalties on those who violate the provisions stipulated in the bill. Violators could face fines ranging from $50 to $1,000 and potential imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, the implementation of this bill would limit the utility of remote devices, such as trail cameras, for capturing and sharing wildlife footage, promoting an ethical approach toward wildlife observation and conservation efforts. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the protection of wildlife habitats and ensure responsible use of technology in the outdoors.
Summary
House Bill 547 is a legislative proposal aimed at protecting wildlife on public lands by prohibiting the sale of images, videos, or location data obtained from remote cameras or devices. Specifically, the bill seeks to address concerns that the dissemination of wildlife location data could lead to illegal activities such as harassing or harming animals. Under this bill, individuals would not be able to use or transfer such data unless specifically authorized by the appropriate department, thereby establishing boundaries on the usage of this sensitive information in relation to wildlife management.
Contention
While the bill is generally aimed at conservation, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the limitation it places on wildlife enthusiasts who use such devices for educational or non-commercial purposes. The debate surrounding the bill could focus on finding a balance between protecting wildlife and allowing citizens the right to observe and document nature without infringing on regulations. In the voting history, the bill saw a majority of support with 57 yeas and 41 nays during its third reading, indicating a strong division in opinion regarding the extent of regulations on wildlife data and technology.