HB 181 Summary

• Authorizes $41,775,000 in non-General Fund capital projects for FY 2021-2022 and $7,850,000 for FY 2022-2023, including land acquisition ($10,000,000), Setzer Hatchery renovation ($18,500,000), and various facility improvements for the Wildlife Resources Commission.

• Requires hunters who harvest black bears to submit at least one premolar tooth to the Wildlife Resources Commission by January 31 following the hunting season, with violation classified as a $35 infraction and potential revocation of bear hunting privileges.

• Creates new wildlife control technician certification ($25 annually) for individuals working under licensed wildlife control agents, and modifies alligator control agent requirements to include both certification and wildlife control agent license.

• Provides half-price lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for residents aged 50-69 and extends eligibility for reduced-price licenses to volunteer rescue squad and emergency medical services members.

• Establishes Chronic Wasting Disease emergency response procedures allowing the Wildlife Resources Commission to request emergency funding from the Contingency and Emergency Fund, and clarifies that intentionally placing bait to interfere with lawful wildlife taking is a Class 2 misdemeanor.