IN SB0323

Amends IC 14-22-10-6 to add a liability exemption for persons alleged to have caused wild animal deaths through release of waste materials or chemicals.

Director of the department of natural resources may not recover damages from a person if another state government agency (including the department of environmental management or office of state chemist) investigated the release and did not identify the person as responsible for the wild animal deaths.

Maintains existing liability framework where a person who discharges, sprays, or releases waste materials, chemicals, or other substances that kill wild animals is responsible for the kill, with damages recoverable by the director through the attorney general.

Recovery proceeds shall be used to replace wild animal populations or habitat in affected areas, or deposited into the fish and wildlife fund if replacement is not practicable.

Effective July 1, 2014.