SENATE BILL 462

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Leo Jaramillo and Susan K. Herrera

AN ACT

RELATING TO GAME AND FISH; AMENDING SECTION 17-3-13.4 NMSA 1978 (BEING LAWS 2001, CHAPTER 213, SECTION 2) TO CLARIFY THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE BIG GAME DEPREDATION DAMAGE FUND INCLUDES COMPENSATION OF LANDOWNERS FOR THE FINANCIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY BIG GAME.

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

     SECTION 1. Section 17-3-13.4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2001, Chapter 213, Section 2) is amended to read:

     "17-3-13.4. BIG GAME DEPREDATION DAMAGE FUND--CREATION--EXPENDITURE.--

          A. The "big game depredation damage fund" is created in the state treasury. The fund consists of appropriations made to the fund, revenues received by the department of game and fish from the sale of big game depredation damage stamps and earnings from the investment of the fund. The fund shall be administered by the department and money in the fund is appropriated to the department to carry out the provisions of Subsection B of this section. Payments from the fund shall be by warrant of the secretary of finance and administration upon vouchers signed by the director of the department or [his] the director's authorized representative. Balances in the fund shall not revert to any other fund.

          B. The department of game and fish shall, by rule, establish a program to correct damage to federal, state or private land caused by big game and to prevent such damage in the future, including compensation of landowners for the financial damages caused by big game. Pursuant to rules adopted by the department, expenditures from the big game depredation damage fund shall be made by the department to carry out the established program; provided that money in the fund shall not be expended for any administrative costs."

- 2 -