SF1825

SF1825 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Taking of elk causing damage without a permit permission

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.655, regarding the taking of certain animals causing property damage. The key change is the addition of elk to the list of animals (e.g., raccoons, beavers, bobcats) that landowners or their agents may kill without a permit if the animal is causing damage on their property.

Key provisions: - Landowners or occupants and their agents can take elk, along with other specified animals, without a license in any manner, except using artificial lights during the closed season or poison. - Any traps used by an agent must be properly tagged as required by law. - If a mink, raccoon, bobcat, fox, opossum, muskrat, elk, or beaver is killed under this provision, a conservation officer or Fish and Wildlife Division employee must be notified within 24 hours. - The bill also clarifies that a special permit is not required to take elk that are causing property damage.

The proposed changes allow for more flexibility in managing property damage caused by elk without requiring specific permits from wildlife authorities.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
February 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authorizes elk to be taken without a license when causing damage, expanding the list of animals in subdivision 1."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill enables property owners and occupants to take elk causing damage without a permit, under section 97B.655.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows taking of certain animals, including elk, without a permit under certain conditions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.655"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references trapping regulations that require traps to be tagged under section 97B.928.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies that traps must be tagged according to existing requirements when set by agents."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.928"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill requires that the removal or destruction of beaver dams be conducted according to section 97B.665.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the procedure for dealing with beaver dams associated with damaging beavers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.665"
  }
]