SB 198 GAME COMMISSION LAND & WATER ACQUISITIONS

Sen Steven McCutcheon

Actions: [2] SCC/SCONC/SJC-SCC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 198 (SB 198):  This amended legislative act is related to the State Game Commission in the state of New Mexico. It outlines changes to the powers and duties of the State Game Commission, specifically regarding land acquisition procedures.  

 Senate Bill 198 (SB 198):  Section 1: Modifies Section 17-1-14 NMSA 1978, which defines the general powers and duties of the State Game Commission.
•	Specifies that the state game commission has control over the collection and disbursement of funds for the protection and propagation of game and fish.
•	Emphasizes the importance of not transferring the game protection fund to another fund.
•	Enumerates various powers of the state game commission, including the establishment of fish hatcheries, declaration of closed seasons, establishment of game refuges, and purchasing of lands for refuges and fish hatcheries.
•	Gives the commission the authority to receive lands by gift or bequest, apply for and accept funds from various sources, and close public streams or lakes to fishing under certain conditions.
•	Introduces rules related to the control, eradication, or prevention of contagious diseases in game animals.
•	Allows the commission to designate areas where bear-proof garbage containers are required.
•	Grants authority to expend money from the game protection fund for habitat management.
•	Introduces rules for recruiting, training, and accepting the services of volunteers for education and outreach activities.

Section 2: Modifies Section 17-2-44 NMSA 1978, which outlines the powers and duties of the director of the department of game and fish.
•	Empowers the director to acquire land or aquatic habitat interests for the conservation, management, restoration, propagation, and protection of threatened or endangered species.

Section 3: Modifies Section 17-4-1 NMSA 1978, which deals with the power to acquire land by the state game commission.
•	Specifies procedural requirements for acquiring land or water rights, including obtaining written approval from acequia associations, land grants, and county commissioners, examining social, cultural, and economic impacts, and obtaining legislative approval for the acquisition.
•	Mandates an annual report to the legislature on expenditures from the game protection fund, the results of impact surveys, and recommendations for further expenditures.