HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16
INTRODUCED BY HAINES, FRANKLIN, BISHOP, P. CLARK
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS, IN COOPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE IMPORTATION AND POSSESSION OF EXOTIC WILDLIFE AND REPORT THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE 58TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, there is an escalating international trend of possession and trade in exotic wildlife for personal use as well as for commercial purposes; and
WHEREAS, the introduction of some exotic wildlife into Montana may have undesirable or damaging effects on native wildlife and plant species, agricultural production, and human health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in order to minimize or avoid economic, ecological, and human health and safety impacts from some exotic wildlife, it may be necessary to control the importation into Montana and possession in Montana of exotic wildlife; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Livestock, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services have longstanding involvement in and statutory obligations regarding the protection of native wildlife and plants, agricultural production, and human health and safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
(1) That the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, in cooperation with the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock, and Public Health and Human Services, be requested to give priority to a study of the following issues:
(a) evaluation of the threats that exotic wildlife may pose to the State of Montana;
(b) evaluation of laws that protect Montana from the importation and possession of potentially harmful exotic wildlife;
(c) evaluation of the successful and efficient implementation of laws from other states addressing importation and possession of exotic wildlife;
(d) compilation of a list of specific exotic wildlife that poses a threat or potential threat; and
(e) identification of possible solutions for the State of Montana to minimize the potentially harmful impacts of the importation and possession of exotic wildlife.
(2) That the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, in cooperation with the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock, and Public Health and Human Services, convene a working group of various stakeholders to assist the Departments in evaluating the issues listed in subsection (1).
(3) That the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, in cooperation with the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock, and Public Health and Human Services, actively solicit the participation of groups and individuals whose activities include the importation or possession of exotic wildlife, of Montana citizens, of state and local officials, and of any other persons or groups with interest in the outcome of the study.
(4) That the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, in cooperation with the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock, and Public Health and Human Services, be requested to:
(a) prepare, by October 1, 2002, a report of its findings and conclusions regarding the importation or possession of exotic wildlife; and
(b) identify options and make recommendations, including suggestions for legislation if appropriate, to the Governor and the 58th Legislature.
- END -
Latest Version of HJ 16 (HJ0016.ENR)
Processed for the Web on March 26, 2001 (1:53PM)
New language in a bill appears underlined, deleted material appears stricken.
Sponsor names are handwritten on introduced bills, hence do not appear on the bill until it is reprinted. See the status of this bill for the bill's primary sponsor.
Status of this Bill | 2001 Legislature | Leg. Branch Home
All versions of this bill (PDF Format)
Authorized print version w/line numbers (PDF format)
(406)444-3064