SB22-031 Summary

• Prohibits shooting, wounding, killing, or trapping bobcats, Canada lynx, and mountain lions with limited exceptions for self-defense, licensed professionals, scientific research, and wildlife sanctuaries.

• Allows livestock owners to kill bobcats or mountain lions on their land if attacks are documented, division-approved, and reported within 5 days; prohibits use of dogs for this purpose.

• Removes mountain lions from "big game" classification and bobcats from "furbearers" classification, eliminating associated hunting licenses and fees.

• Violations are misdemeanors punishable by $500-$2,000 fines, up to one year jail time, 20 license suspension points, and civil restitution of $700 per bobcat/mountain lion or $1,000 per Canada lynx; selling or purchasing mountain lions is a class 5 felony.

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment unless subject to referendum petition, in which case it requires voter approval at November 2022 general election.