A bill for an act relating to operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public hunting areas.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Austin Harris

HF 107 allows registered ATVs and UTVs to transport legally harvested deer from public hunting areas, enhancing convenience while requiring blaze orange safety apparel.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 473.

#all-terrainvehicles #hunting #off-roadutilityvehicles #publicproperty

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 107

Title: A bill for an act relating to operation of all-terrain vehicles or off-road utility vehicles on public hunting areas.

Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 473.

Introduced: January 22, 2025

Classification: Bill

Subject: All-Terrain Vehicles, Hunting, Off-Road Utility Vehicles, Public Property

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 107 is to amend existing laws regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road utility vehicles (UTVs) on public hunting areas. The bill specifically allows these vehicles to be used for the transportation of lawfully taken deer carcasses out of designated public hunting areas.

Key Provisions

Operation Authorization: The bill permits registered ATVs and UTVs to operate on public hunting areas for the sole purpose of transporting deer carcasses.

Safety Apparel Requirement: Operators and passengers of the vehicles must wear visible blaze orange apparel (such as vests, coats, jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, shirts, or coveralls) until the deer carcass has been removed from the public hunting area.

Current Restrictions: Under existing law, the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) has the authority to prohibit the operation of ATVs and UTVs on public lands and designated trails for safety reasons. Generally, the operation of these vehicles is restricted in parks, wildlife areas, preserves, refuges, and game management areas, except in designated riding areas.

Impact

Who is Affected: This bill primarily affects hunters who legally harvest deer and wish to use ATVs or UTVs for transportation. It also impacts the management practices of the NRC regarding vehicle operation on public lands.

Safety Considerations: The requirement for blaze orange apparel aims to enhance safety for both hunters and other individuals in public hunting areas.

Legislative Timeline

January 22, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Natural Resources Committee.

January 27, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage.

February 18, 2025: Committee report recommending passage; committee vote resulted in 14 yeas, 5 nays, and 2 excused.

February 19, 2025: Bill approved by committee and renumbered as HF 473.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HF 107, its provisions, and its potential implications for public hunting practices and vehicle operation regulations.

Bill