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AB 59

Relating to: the use of federal capitalization grant funds for lead service line replacement. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Armstrong and 6 co-sponsors

AB 59 tightens wildlife protection by banning feeding wildlife broadly, banning certain excrement/bodily fluids, raises moose penalties to trophy levels, and ends permits for impor

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Bill Summary · AB 59

AB 59 (BDR 45-300) — Summary (2025 Session, Chapter 222)

Status: Enacted — approved by the Governor and chaptered in 2025.

Purpose / Intent

AB 59 revises multiple statutes governing wildlife, public health risks associated with certain wildlife products, and the regulation of “alternative livestock” (fallow deer and reindeer). The changes aim to reduce human-wildlife interactions that pose safety or disease risks, strengthen penalties for certain unlawful takes of big game animals, and restrict non‑regulated importation and possession of certain captive deer species.

Key provisions

  • Expanded prohibition on intentional feeding

    • Extends the prohibition on intentionally feeding wildlife beyond previously defined “big game mammals” to include any animal classified as a wild mammal by Commission regulation.
    • Includes provisions (as amended) addressing take of game birds by baiting or when on/above areas that were baited and which the taker knew or reasonably should have known were baited.
    • An earlier amendment that would have exempted bird feeders within 100 feet of a private residence was discussed; later reprints and amendments narrowed/clarified related provisions during committee consideration.

  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) / disease-vector materials

    • Prohibits, with certain exceptions, knowingly bringing into or possessing in Nevada the excrement or bodily fluids of certain animals (extending existing prohibitions on carcasses/parts).
    • Authorizes seizure, destruction, or removal of such excrement or bodily fluids in the same manner as carcasses.

  • Civil penalties for moose

    • Reclassifies unlawful killing or possession of a moose to be subject to the higher civil-penalty range applied to “trophy big game mammals” (civil penalty of $5,000 to $30,000), aligning moose with more protected trophy species.
    • Codifies an existing regulatory interpretation regarding counting of antler points (eye guard exclusion) as it applies to trophy determinations.

  • Alternative livestock (fallow deer / reindeer)

    • Eliminates the State Board of Agriculture’s permit program for importing, possessing, or propagating alternative livestock.
    • Makes importing, possessing, or propagating such animals without compliance with State Quarantine Officer regulations a misdemeanor (subject to fines and/or jail), and voids the existing Board of Agriculture regulations governing the permit program.
    • Conforming statutory changes throughout the code were made to reflect this removal.

Who is affected

  • Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Board of Wildlife Commissioners — rulemaking and enforcement implications.
  • Hunters and recreational users — expanded baiting/taking rules and heightened civil penalties for certain unlawful kills.
  • Persons importing, possessing, or breeding fallow deer or reindeer — new criminal exposure where permits previously existed.
  • Businesses or individuals transporting/possessing animal byproducts (carcasses, excrement, bodily fluids) — new prohibitions and seizure authority.
  • County/city jails/local governments — potential increased misdemeanor incarceration exposures (fiscal note indicated possible local impact).

Enforcement & penalties

  • Violations regarding carcasses/excrement/bodily fluids are misdemeanors (fine and/or up to 6 months county jail) and may carry civil penalties where specified.
  • Unlawful possession/killing of moose now triggers the higher civil-penalty bracket ($5,000–$30,000).
  • Other existing criminal and civil enforcement authorities under Nevada wildlife statutes remain applicable.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • AB 59 underwent multiple committee amendments and reprints during the 2025 legislative session (including Assembly Amendment No. 87 and Senate Amendment No. 629).
  • The bill was passed by the Legislature, enrolled, and approved by the Governor in 2025 and is chaptered as law for the 2025 statutes.
  • Local fiscal note: legislators identified potential increases in local incarceration costs associated with newly or newly-clarified misdemeanor exposure.

Implementation considerations

  • NDOW and other agencies will need to update guidance, enforcement protocols, and outreach to affected stakeholders (hunters, livestock owners, importers).
  • Rulemaking/clarifying regulations may be needed to implement statutory changes (classification of wildlife, quarantine exceptions, etc.).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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