HB 304 -- INTERFERENCE WITH FISHING

This bill makes it a class A misdemeanor to interfere
intentionally with lawful fishing or to fail to obey a peace
officer's order to desist.  Entering an area with intent to
interfere with lawful fishing is a class B misdemeanor.

HB 304 -- INTERFERENCE WITH FISHING (Ransdall)

This bill makes it a class A misdemeanor to interfere
intentionally with lawful fishing or to fail to obey a peace
officer's order to desist.  Entering an area with intent to
interfere with lawful fishing is a class B misdemeanor.

It asserts that the General Assembly recognizes that citizens
have the right to hunt, fish, and trap lawfully.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 304, HCA 1 -- INTERFERENCE WITH FISHING

SPONSOR:  Ransdall

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on State
Parks, Natural Resources and Mining by a vote of 16 to 0.

This bill makes it a class A misdemeanor to interfere
intentionally with lawful fishing or to fail to obey a peace
officer's order to desist.  Entering an area with intent to
interfere with lawful fishing is a class B misdemeanor.

HCA 1 -- Asserts that the General Assembly recognizes that
citizens have the right to hunt, fish, and trap lawfully.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that fishing is an important
recreational activity.  This bill addresses the emerging issue
of interference with lawful fishing by animal rights groups.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Ransdall; Department
of Conservation; and Conservation Federation of Missouri.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Terry Finger, Research Analyst

HB 304 -- Interference with Fishing

Sponsor:  Ransdall

This bill makes it a class A misdemeanor to interfere
intentionally with lawful fishing or to fail to obey a peace
officer's order to desist.  Entering an area with intent to
interfere with lawful fishing is a class B misdemeanor.