North Dakota Senate Bill SB2368

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23
• Report Pass: 2/2/23

Caption

A BILL for an Act to provide for a legislative management study regarding a commission to supervise the game and fish department.

Impact

The legislation, if enacted, would likely lead to a significant restructuring of how the game and fish department operates within the state. By examining the possibility of an appointed commission, it could shift the management paradigm from a traditionally bureaucratic approach to a more centralized and potentially more streamlined governance structure for wildlife management. Such changes could improve the effectiveness of regulatory measures and enhance the department's ability to respond to issues affecting wildlife conservation and management.

Summary

SB2368 is a bill introduced in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly aimed at conducting a legislative management study regarding the supervision of the game and fish department. It seeks to evaluate the possibility of creating an appointed commission to oversee the department's functions. The study will look into current laws governing fish and wildlife in North Dakota, compare them to those in other states, and explore how appointed commissions operate in those jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill mandates an examination of potential conflicts with existing North Dakota laws, ensuring a comprehensive understanding before implementing new measures.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SB2368 may involve various points of contention, including the need for a more centralized authority versus the preservation of current administrative structures. Advocates for the bill could argue that an appointed commission would bring specialized expertise and focus to wildlife issues, while opponents may express concerns about transparency, accountability, and the potential for diminished local influence over wildlife management practices. The study envisaged by this bill may lead to broader discussions on the balance of authority between state and local governance in managing natural resources.