SB 1560

Abstract

Amends the Timber Buyers Licensing Act. Provides that every application for licensure under the Act shall include a list of all employees of the timber buyer that are or will be engaged by the timber buyer as an agent, cutter, or transporter. Provides that all timber buyers and employees must be 18 years of age or older. Provides that every person licensed as a timber buyer shall file with the Department of Natural Resources a certificate of liability insurance (rather than a performance bond). Provides that the liability insurance shall be in the principal amount of $1,000,000. Provides that an application for a resident license to operate as a timber buyer, or a renewal thereof, shall be accompanied by a non-refundable filing fee of $125 (rather than $25). Provides the application for a non-resident license to operate as a timber buyer, or renewal thereof, shall be accompanied by a non-refundable filing fee of $300. Provides that property seized or forfeited is subject to reporting under the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act. Makes changes to provisions concerning: what is unlawful and a violation of the Act; license, issuance, validity, and renewal; records and inspection; reporting a harvest fee; administrative rule; penalties and fines; and license revocation. Makes changes to the definitions. Makes other and corresponding changes in the Act and in the Seizure and Forfeiture Reporting Act. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Amends the Timber Buyers Licensing Act. Provides that a timber buyer shall file with the Department of Natural Resources a certificate of liability insurance in the principal amount of $500,000 (rather than $1,000,000). Provides that a timber buyer shall retain documents concerning proof of ownership. Makes changes in provisions concerning penalties and fines. Changes references from "employees" to "agents". Defines "proof of ownership" and "resident". Makes other changes.