2024 -- S 2810 AS AMENDED

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LC004346

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- DEER HUNTING

     Introduced By: Senators Tikoian, DiMario, Rogers, LaMountain, Britto, Felag, and

     Date Introduced: March 22, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     (Dept. of Environmental Management)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 20-15-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 20-15 entitled "Deer

Hunting" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     20-15-7. Deer colliding with vehicles Wildlife colliding with vehicles.

     The owner of any vehicle that has been substantially damaged by collision with a deer

wildlife shall, within twenty-four (24) hours after the collision, report the accident to a conservation

officer. The officer shall investigate, and if he or she finds the damage has been done as alleged,

the officer shall give a certificate to the person entitling the person to ownership of the deer carcass

to be possessed and consumed only with the immediate family of the owner of the vehicle the

department of environmental management. The department shall promulgate rules and regulations

governing possession and use of the animal carcass. The driver of any vehicle involved in a

collision with a deer shall have the right of first refusal to possess and use the deer carcass.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004346

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- DEER HUNTING

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     This act would modify reporting requirements regarding collisions between vehicles and

wildlife in instances where the vehicle has been substantially damaged. It would also direct the

department of environmental management to promulgate rules and regulations governing

possession and use of an animal carcass involved in such a collision.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004346

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