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HF 4785

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/11/2024 02:15pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
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Bill Text Versions

Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 03/08/2024

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
 relating to natural resources; authorizing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to
assist in locating and recovering deceased big game; requiring a report; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.115.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.115, is amended to read:


97B.115 COMPUTER-ASSISTED REMOTE HUNTING deleted text begin PROHIBITEDdeleted text end .

(a) No person shall operate, provide, sell, use or offer to operate, provide, sell or use
any computer software or service that allows a person, not physically present at the site, to
remotely control a weapon that could be used to take any wild animal by remote operation,
including, but not limited to, weapons or devices set up to fire through the use of the Internet
or through a remote control device.

(b) A person who violates deleted text begin this sectiondeleted text end new text begin paragraph (a)new text end is guilty of a misdemeanor.

new text begin (c) Effective January 1, 2026, a person who possesses a remote pilot certificate issued
by the Federal Aviation Administration may use an unmanned aerial vehicle to locate and
retrieve deceased big game.
 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
TO LOCATE AND RETRIEVE DECEASED BIG GAME.
new text end

new text begin By January 1, 2025, the commissioner of natural resources, in conjunction with interested
stakeholders, must make findings and recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment
policy on statutory and policy changes needed to facilitate the use of unmanned aerial
vehicles to locate and retrieve deceased big game. The findings and recommendations must
include recommendations for:
 new text end

new text begin (1) licensure requirements, including requirements for maintaining insurance;
 new text end

new text begin (2) requirements applicable to unmanned aerial vehicles and related equipment;
 new text end

new text begin (3) whether an annual fee will be necessary to administer Minnesota Statutes, section
97B.115, paragraph (c);
 new text end

new text begin (4) guaranteeing respect for affected owners' property; and
 new text end

new text begin (5) any other matters the commissioner deems relevant.
 new text end