HF 135

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 01/22/2013 11:23am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; permitting limited use of laser sights by visually
impaired hunters; providing criminal penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes
2012, section 97B.031, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 97B.031, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Laser sights; visually impaired. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding section 97B.081
or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner shall issue a permit to a person with
a visual impairment to use laser sights in accordance with this subdivision. A person
with a permit issued under this subdivision may use laser sights only when the person is
accompanied by a physically capable person available to assist the person and when:
new text end

new text begin (1) hunting on land owned by the person;
new text end

new text begin (2) hunting on private land the person has been given written permission to hunt on; or
new text end

new text begin (3) participating in a special hunt permitted under section 97B.111, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (b) The visual impairment must be established by medical evidence verified in
writing by:
new text end

new text begin (1) a licensed physician, or a certified nurse practitioner or certified physician
assistant acting under the direction of a licensed physician;
new text end

new text begin (2) a licensed ophthalmologist; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a licensed optometrist.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may request additional information from the physician,
ophthalmologist, or optometrist if needed to verify the applicant's eligibility for the permit.
new text end

new text begin (c) A permit issued under this subdivision may be valid for up to five years, based
on the permanence of the visual impairment as determined by the licensed physician,
ophthalmologist, or optometrist.
new text end

new text begin (d) The permit must be in the immediate possession of the permittee when hunting
under the permit.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under
this subdivision for cause, including a violation of the game and fish laws or rules.
new text end

new text begin (f) A person who knowingly makes a false application or assists another in making
a false application for a permit under this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. A
physician, ophthalmologist, or optometrist who fraudulently certifies to the commissioner
that a person is visually impaired as described in this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
new text end