SF 472 – Operation of snowmobiles on public land
HF 202 – DNR Code cleanup: Solid waste management systems program and beautification grants
HF 254 – Tagging requirements for deer carcasses
FLOOR ACTION:
SF 472 makes changes to the operation of snowmobiles on highways and roadways. Under current law, the portion of highways and roadways between a fence line and the traveled portion of the road are considered public right of way and can be used by snowmobiles. On some secondary roads, the property line extends to the center of the road, meaning the area between the fence line and the traveled portion of the road is not a public right of way. The bill clarifies that snowmobiles are allowed to operate on all areas between a fence line and the traveled portion of the road.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must transfer at least 70 percent of the fees collected in the snowmobile trust fund to local groups to assist in their activities and trail development. Currently, DNR sends at least 50 percent of the fees to local groups. The bill also allows DNR to donate trail grooming equipment to local organizations after the equipment has reached the end of its useful life for the department.
[3/13: 49-0 (Bertrand absent)]
COMMITTEE ACTION:
HF 202 contains various updates to responsibilities of the DNR. The bill removes language regarding funding of beautification grants by DNR for a program that has since become housed within the Economic Development Authority. The bill also makes a number of changes regarding the solid waste environment management systems program, including eliminating the associated advisory council and updating terminology to reflect current operations.
[3/9: short form]
HF 254 allows the removal of a harvested deer from an obstruction, entanglement or other area prior to attaching the required tag if the situation presents a safety hazard to the hunter or another person. This provision does not allow the hunter to remove the harvested deer from the immediate area or to transport the deer prior to attaching the required tag.
[3/9: short form]