HOUSE BILL 634

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Don L. Tripp

AN ACT

RELATING TO GAME AND FISH; PROHIBITING COMPUTER-ASSISTED REMOTE HUNTING OF ANIMALS OR BIRDS; PROVIDING PENALTIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. A new section of Chapter 17, Article 3 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] COMPUTER-ASSISTED REMOTE HUNTING PROHIBITED--PENALTIES.--

          A. A person shall not:

                (1) engage in computer-assisted remote hunting;

                (2) provide or operate facilities for the purpose of computer-assisted remote hunting;

                (3) create, maintain, provide, advertise or sell computer software or an internet web site for the purpose of computer-assisted remote hunting;

                (4) entice, possess or confine an animal or bird for the purpose of computer-assisted remote hunting; or

                (5) import into or export from this state an animal or bird, or any part of an animal or bird, that is taken or captured by computer-assisted remote hunting.

          B. A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be sentenced in accordance with the provisions of Section 17-2-10 NMSA 1978.

          C. When a person who violates the provisions of this section possesses a license, certificate or permit issued by the state game commission, the license, certificate or permit shall be subject to revocation by the commission pursuant to Sections 17-1-14 and 17-3-34 NMSA 1978.

          D. As used in this section:

                (1) "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or other electronic device, equipment or software to access the internet and remotely control the aiming and discharge of a bow, crossbow or firearm of any kind for the purpose of hunting, taking or capturing an animal or bird; and

                (2) "facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting" means the real property and improvements on the property associated with computer-assisted remote hunting, including hunting blinds, offices and rooms equipped to facilitate computer-assisted remote hunting."

     Section 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2006.

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