HB 42 Summary

• Establishes procedures for property owners whose land is flooded by beaver dams on adjoining property to file complaints with township boards of trustees.

• Requires township boards to view the beaver dam and affected property after providing at least 10 days' written notice, then determine whether the property owner must remove the dam, trap beavers, or both.

• Authorizes township boards to order dam and beaver removal by the 30th day after the owner receives written notice, with enforcement through county auditor certification allowing costs to be collected as property taxes.

• Permits township boards to award contracts to lowest responsible bidders for dam removal and beaver trapping if owners fail to comply with orders, with advertising requirements published in newspapers and optionally online.

• Creates criminal penalties for obstruction or interference with lawful dam removal or beaver trapping (misdemeanor of third degree) and exempts beaver trapping under these procedures from state wildlife law restrictions.