PA 16-160—SB 137

Environment Committee

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Judiciary Committee

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION OF A HUNTING OR FISHING LICENSE FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR, PAY OR PLEA IN A HUNTING OR FISHING VIOLATION CASE

SUMMARY: This act expands the energy and environmental protection commissioner's authority to suspend fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses for certain violations when a person cited for the violation fails to appear in court or pay or plea to an infraction and an arrest warrant is issued for him or her. The act requires the commissioner to suspend the license until the person is adjudicated in court or pays the associated fine. The person must have been cited for violating state or federal migratory bird regulations or any of the following state laws: (1) fisheries or game laws; (2) hunting or discharging a firearm from a public highway; (3) carrying a loaded gun in a vehicle or snowmobile; (4) 3rd degree criminal trespass; or (5) 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree criminal mischief.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2016

BACKGROUND

Penalty for Fishing, Hunting, or Trapping Violations

By law, the commissioner may suspend the fishing, hunting, or trapping license of anyone convicted of violating certain laws or regulations. Anyone who fishes, hunts, or traps under a suspended credential is subject to a fine of between $100 and $200 and an indefinite suspension of all of his or her fishing, hunting, and trapping permits, licenses, and registrations (CGS § 26-61(d)). The law allows anyone whose credential is suspended to apply to the commissioner to have it restored (CGS § 26-61(c)).

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