MN HF4551

Commissioner of Natural Resources must prescribe an annual open season for wolves unless the wolf remains listed under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, with seasons and restrictions consistent with the state wolf management plan.

Commissioner must annually consult with the commissioner of agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service before determining season, restrictions, and requirements, including review of wolf depredation on livestock and pets.

Government agents from the Department of Natural Resources, state, or local units of government are prohibited from investigating, arresting, stopping, questioning, or prosecuting persons for federal wolf law enforcement purposes, except as required by federal law.

Government agents must not use state or local resources for wolf law enforcement purposes or enter into cooperative agreements with the federal government related to wolves.

Governor or appropriate state official must immediately withdraw the state from any cooperative agreements requiring government agents to engage in prohibited wolf law enforcement actions.

Commissioner of Natural Resources must report to legislative committees by January 1, 2025, on implementation of the act and any legal impediments to enforcement.