HB 1396: Dogs; hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species, permits, civil penalties.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Department of Wildlife Resources; permits; use of dogs in hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species; civil penalties. Directs the Department of Wildlife Resources to establish a permit for persons and a permit for organizations that hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species with the aid of dogs and makes it unlawful for any person to (i) release a dog to hunt, pursue, or chase any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species on any tract of real property or (ii) engage in hunting for any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species with the aid of any dog unless such person has been issued a permit to hunt with dogs by the Department. The bill exempts from permitting requirements any person or organization (a) engaged in mounted fox hunting or hunting waterfowl, migratory birds, or upland game birds; (b) using a tracking dog to retrieve a wounded or dead bear, turkey, or deer; (c) whose dog remains in the immediate visual presence and control of such person or organization; or (d) on public lands where hunting is allowed. Finally the bill subjects any person who violates the provisions of the bill to a civil penalty of no more than $50 for a first violation and no less than $100 but no more than $250 for a second or subsequent violation within three years.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 4, 2026Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
2. March 3, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1396)
3. February 26, 2026Committee substitute printed 26108421D-S1
4. February 25, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1396)
5. February 24, 2026Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 6-N)
6. February 24, 2026Senate subcommittee offered
7. February 24, 2026Assigned HACNR sub: Companion Animals
8. February 18, 2026Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
9. February 18, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
10. February 17, 2026Read third time and passed House (55-Y 39-N 0-A)
11. February 16, 2026Engrossed by House - committee substitute
12. February 16, 2026committee substitute agreed to

Showing 12 most recent of 23 actions. Full history