ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Majority Research Staff
	Senate: RAGE DP 4-1-2-0 | Third Read 29-1-0-0-0

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SB 1616: business entities; licensees; exemptions

S/E: public nuisance; pigeons

Sponsor: Senator Carroll, LD 28

Committee on Judiciary

Summary of the Strike-Everything Amendment to SB 1616

Overview

Modifies Arizona’s unlawful wildlife-feeding laws by prohibiting the feeding of pigeons.

History

Under current law, in a county with a population of more than 280,000 persons, a person commits unlawful feeding of wildlife by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feeding, attracting or otherwise enticing wildlife into an area, except for:

1) persons lawfully taking or holding wildlife under Arizona Game and Fish Commission rules or orders;

2) public employees or authorized agents acting within the scope of their authority for public safety or wildlife management purposes;

3) normal agricultural or livestock operational practices; and

4) tree squirrels or birds (A.R.S. § 13-2927).

Statute classifies unlawful feeding of wildlife as a petty offense (A.R.S. § 13-2927).

Provisions

1. Excludes pigeons from the exception for tree squirrels or birds in the existing unlawful feeding of wildlife statute. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes it unlawful for a person to feed pigeons. (Sec. 2)

3. Specifies that the prohibition on feeding pigeons does not:

a. apply to a person who keeps pigeons in an enclosure that meets outlined requirements;

b. prohibit feeding other birds by using practices or devices designed to prevent pigeons from obtaining food; or

c. prohibit feeding pigeons under a government-approved wildlife management plan. (Sec. 2)

4. Authorizes a person to bring a private right of action to enforce the prohibition on feeding pigeons. (Sec. 2)

5. Establishes escalating penalties for violating the new pigeon-feeding section as follows:

a. a first violation is subject to a warning;

b. a second violation is subject to a $100 civil penalty; and

c. a third or subsequent violation is a petty offense. (Sec. 2)

6. Defines pertinent terms. (Sec 2)

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Initials NM                SB 1616

3/12/2026        Page 0 Judiciary

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