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HB 1827

TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HUNTING HERITAGE PROTECTION ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Irvin and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1827 enhances hunting on Arkansas commission-managed lands, ensuring no net loss of habitat and requiring replacement land if areas close for hunting.

Notification that HB1827 is now Act 817
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Bill Summary · HB 1827

Summary of House Bill 1827: Amendment to the Arkansas Hunting Heritage Protection Act

Bill Number: HB 1827
Status: Now Act 817
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Legislative Session: 95th General Assembly, Regular Session, 2025
Sponsors: Representative Wardlaw, Senator Irvin

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1827 aims to amend the Arkansas Hunting Heritage Protection Act to enhance and clarify the management of commission-managed lands for recreational hunting. The bill seeks to ensure that hunting opportunities are preserved while also allowing for necessary land management practices.

Key Provisions

Definitions and Clarifications

  • Commission: Refers to the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission.
  • Commission-leased lands: Lands leased by the commission for at least one year that include public recreational hunting rights.
  • Commission-managed lands: Includes both commission-owned and commission-leased lands.
  • Hunting: Defined as the lawful pursuit, trapping, shooting, capture, collection, or killing of wildlife.

Access and Management of Lands

  • Recreational Hunting Access: Commission-managed lands are generally open for recreational hunting, subject to limitations for public safety, homeland security, or wildlife management.
  • Land Management Decisions: The commission must manage lands to support recreational hunting while not prioritizing it over other land uses or management priorities established by law.
  • Net Loss of Habitat: The bill mandates that land management decisions should not result in a net loss of hunting habitat compared to the acreage available as of January 1, 2025.

Replacement Land for Closed Areas

  • If hunting land is closed, the commission is required to find replacement acreage expeditiously, ideally located nearby and consistent with the type of hunting previously allowed.

Reporting Requirements

  • The commission must submit an annual report by July 1 detailing:
    • The number of acres closed to recreational hunting and reasons for closure.
    • The number of acres opened to compensate for closures.

Exemptions

  • The bill does not compel the opening of national parks or monuments to recreational hunting and does not restrict private landowners from making decisions regarding access to their lands.

Impact

Affected Parties

  • Hunters: The bill aims to enhance hunting opportunities on commission-managed lands.
  • Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission: The commission will have expanded responsibilities in managing lands and reporting on hunting access.
  • Private Landowners: The bill clarifies that private landowners retain control over their lands.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 18, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed by the House and sent to the Senate.
  • April 14, 2025: Senate amendment adopted.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1827 is now Act 817.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1827, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on hunting and land management in Arkansas.

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

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