SCS HB 79 -- ANIMAL FIGHTING

This bill revises the hunting and rodeo practices exemptions to
the prohibition of animal baiting and fighting adopted by the
voters in November 1998 (Proposition A).

The exemption of hunting is revised to include fishing and any
other activity regulated by the wildlife code.

The exemption of rodeo practices is revised to repeal the
requirement that the rodeo practices be sanctioned by the
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.  Instead any
professional or amateur rodeo practice or skill event is
exempted when it is not intended for use in violation of
Proposition A.

The bill has an emergency clause.

HB 79 -- ANIMAL FIGHTING (Ransdall)

This bill modifies Proposition A as approved by voters on
November 3, 1998, relating to animal fighting.  Activities
exempted from the provisions of Proposition A are expanded to
include fishing regulated by the Missouri Department of
Conservation.  The exemption of rodeo practices sanctioned by
the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association is changed to rodeo
practices approved by the state Department of Agriculture.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 79 -- ANIMAL FIGHTING

CO-SPONSORS:  Ransdall, Gaw

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Agriculture by a vote of 22 to 0.

This bill modifies Proposition A as approved by voters on
November 3, 1998, relating to animal fighting.  Activities
exempted from the provisions of Proposition A are expanded to
include fishing regulated by the Missouri Department of
Conservation.  The exemption of rodeo practices sanctioned by
the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association is changed to rodeo
practices approved by the state Department of Agriculture.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill clarifies exemptions
for rodeo activities and fishing in Proposition A as approved by
voters November 3, 1998.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Ransdall; Missouri
Cattlemens Association; Department of Agriculture; Department of
Conservation; Missouri Conservation Federation; and Missouri
Farm Bureau.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Roland Tackett, Legislative Analyst

HB 79 -- Animal Fighting

Co-Sponsors:  Ransdall, Gaw

This bill modifies Proposition A as approved by voters on
November 3, 1998, relating to animal fighting.  Activities
exempted from the provisions of Proposition A are expanded to
include fishing regulated by the Missouri Department of
Conservation and rodeo practices approved by the Missouri
Department of Agriculture.