Forbid use of electronic motion-tracking devices and thermal optics during the general hunting season

2025 Regular Session

Bans electronic motion-tracking devices and thermal optics for hunters during the general hunting season, limiting gear options and raising enforcement questions.

(LC) Draft Died in Process

#fishandwildlife

Overview

LC 1968 is a Fish and Wildlife bill titled “Forbid use of electronic motion-tracking devices and thermal optics during the general hunting season.” The measure would prohibit hunters from using certain advanced sighting or tracking technologies during the general hunting season. As currently described, the bill is in a draft stage and did not advance beyond the drafting process.

Purpose and Intent

Primary goal: To ban the use of electronic motion-tracking devices and thermal optics by hunters during the general hunting season, aiming to reduce potential advantages conferred by such technologies.

Scope indicated by the title: The prohibition applies specifically to the general hunting season; the text does not specify whether exceptions apply or whether other seasons are affected.

Key Provisions (based on the bill’s title and status)

Prohibition: The use of electronic motion-tracking devices and thermal optics would be forbidden during the general hunting season.

Definitions: The bill would likely define what constitutes an “electronic motion-tracking device” and a “thermal optic” (definitions are not provided in the available summary).

Enforcement and penalties: Any enacted version would typically include enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations, though exact language is not available here.

Exemptions and special rules: The summary does not provide details on exemptions (e.g., non-electronic equipment, educational exemptions, or conservation/policy carve-outs).

Effective date: The timeline for when the prohibition would take effect is not specified in the provided information.

Affected Parties

Primary: Hunters participating in the general hunting season within the bill’s jurisdiction.

Secondary: Retailers and suppliers of electronic motion-tracking devices and thermal optics may see market/labeling implications if such devices are restricted.

Enforcement: Wildlife law enforcement agencies would be responsible for enforcing the prohibition.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: November 23, 2024

2024-11-23: Drafter Assigned

2024-12-23: Draft On Hold

2025-05-27: Draft Died in Process

Current status: LC Draft Died in Process. This indicates the bill did not advance and would need to be reintroduced if proponents choose to pursue similar restrictions in the future.

Potential Impact and Notes

If enacted, the bill could affect hunter behavior and equipment choices during the general season.

Enforcement would hinge on clear definitions and permissible evidentiary standards.

Absent the text, exact penalties, exemptions, and implementation details remain unclear.

Next steps: If the sponsors choose to revisit the measure, a new draft would need to be filed, with clarified definitions, exemptions (if any), and a defined timeline for implementation.

Bill