1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; providing for enforcement and reimbursement for 
1.3 	responses to prevent wildlife diseases;amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 
1.4 	35.92, by adding a subdivision; 97A.045, subdivision 1.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 35.92, is amended by adding a subdivision 
1.7 	to read:
1.8 		Subd. 1a.Authority of commissioner of natural resources. (a) Conservation officers 
1.9 	may enforce the provisions of section 35.155:
1.10 	(1) requiring reporting to the commissioner of natural resources;
1.11 	(2) authorizing seizure or destruction of Cervidae;
1.12 	(3) allowing inspection by the commissioner of natural resources; and
1.13 	(4) requiring fencing, identification, and registration of Cervidae.
1.14 	(b) The authority under this subdivision includes enforcement of rules adopted by the 
1.15 	board in substantial compliance with section 35.155.

1.16 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 97A.045, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.17 		Subdivision 1.Duties; generally. (a) The commissioner shall do all things the 
1.18 	commissioner determines are necessary to preserve, protect, and propagate desirable species 
1.19 	of wild animals. The commissioner shall make special provisions for the management of 
1.20 	fish and wildlife to ensure recreational opportunities for anglers and hunters. The 
2.1 	commissioner shall acquire wild animals for breeding or stocking and may dispose of or 
2.2 	destroy undesirable or predatory wild animals and their dens, nests, houses, or dams.
2.3 	(b) Notwithstanding chapters 17 and 35, the commissioner, in consultation with the 
2.4 	commissioner of agriculture and the executive director of the Board of Animal Health, may 
2.5 	capture, take, or control nonnative or domestic animals that are released, have escaped, or 
2.6 	are otherwise running at large and causing damage to natural resources or agricultural lands, 
2.7 	or that are posing a threat to wildlife, domestic animals, or human health. The commissioner 
2.8 	may work with other agencies to assist in the capture, taking, or control and may authorize 
2.9 	persons to take such animals.
2.10 	(c) The Board of Animal Health or the Department of Agriculture must reimburse the 
2.11 	game and fish fund for all costs associated with wildlife-disease responses related to diseases 
2.12 	that are discovered in animals regulated under chapters 17 and 35. The commissioner must 
2.13 	track all eligible expenses and submit an invoice by June 30 each year. The maximum 
2.14 	reimbursement per year must not exceed $1,000,000.