Plain English Breakdown
The official text refers to 'specified animals' and 'covered animal, as defined,' but the specific list of species is not included in the provided summary.
Ban on Public Contact with Captive Wild Animals
This law stops people from letting members of the public touch or get close to certain wild animals kept in captivity, unless specific exceptions apply.
What This Bill Does
- Prohibits allowing any member of the public direct contact with specified captive wild animals.
- Allows direct contact only for certain individuals or at specific facilities as defined by law.
- Requires civil penalties instead of criminal charges for anyone who breaks this rule.
- Gives the Department of Fish and Wildlife power to immediately suspend or revoke permits if a violation occurs.
- Lets permit holders appeal a suspension or revocation within 30 days by filing a written request.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who hold restricted species permits for wild animals
- Facilities that keep specified captive wild animals
- The Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Members of the public seeking contact with these animals
Terms To Know
- Restricted species permit
- A special, nontransferable license issued by state agencies that allows someone to possess certain wild animals.
- Direct contact
- Physical interaction between a person and an animal as defined in the bill's rules.
- Civil penalty
- A fine or monetary punishment that is not considered a criminal offense.
Limits and Unknowns
- The text does not list which specific animals are covered by the ban.
- The exact dollar amount for civil penalties is not stated in this summary.
- The bill does not specify exactly which facilities or individuals qualify for exceptions.