Assigned to NR                                                                                                                       FOR COMMITTEE

 


 

 

 


ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session

 

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1709

 

unlawful feeding of wildlife; exception

Purpose

Adds placing holiday-related decorations outside of a residence or property to the exceptions for unlawful feeding of wildlife.

Background

A person commits unlawful feeding of wildlife by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feeding, attracting or otherwise enticing wildlife into an area. Exceptions are granted for: 1) a person lawfully taking or holding wildlife pursuant to statute and the Arizona Game and Fish Commission rules; 2) public employees or authorized agents acting within the scope of their authority for public safety or for wildlife management purposes; 3) normal agricultural or livestock operational practices; and 4) feeding tree squirrels or birds. Unlawful feeding of wildlife is a petty offense (A.R.S. § 13-2927). Statute requires a person charged with a petty offense to pay a fine of not more than $300 fixed by the court (A.R.S. § 13-802).

               There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1.   Adds placing holiday-related decorations outside of a residence or property to the exceptions for unlawful feeding of wildlife, if the decorations are not intended to feed, attract or otherwise entice wildlife.

2.   Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Prepared by Senate Research

February 14, 2025

SB/slp