HB 1437

Abstract

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides for the protection of a variety of wild birds, parts of wild birds, and other mammals. Provides that the Department may prohibit or limit the importation, possession, release into the wild, take, commercialization of take, sale, and propagation of wild mammals, wild birds, and feral livestock that are not defined as protected species to reduce risks of communicable diseases, nuisances, and damages to wild or domestic species, agricultural crops, property, and environment. Provides that the Department shall set forth applicable regulations in an administrative rule. Provides that it shall be unlawful to release from captivity any live bird or mammal, either indigenous or non-indigenous in this State and that is ordinarily considered a wildlife species without securing written permission from the Department prior to release. Makes changes to the definitions of "wild" and "wildlife". Makes other changes. Makes corresponding changes to the exemption provisions of the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Effective immediately.