SF 3434

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 04/05/2016 08:55am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; allowing hunters with a disability to hunt with laser
sights; providing criminal penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section
97B.081, by adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97B.081, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Hunting with a laser sight by hunters with a disability. new text end

new text begin (a) The
commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to discharge a firearm with a laser
sight to a person who obtains the required licenses and who has a permanent physical
disability that prohibits the person from raising the person's arms to shoulder height.
new text end

new text begin (b) The permanent physical disability must be established by medical evidence
verified in writing by a licensed physician, chiropractor, or certified nurse practitioner
or certified physician assistant acting under the direction of a licensed physician. The
commissioner may request additional information from the physician or chiropractor
if needed to verify the applicant's eligibility for the permit. Notwithstanding section
97A.418, the commissioner may, in consultation with appropriate advocacy groups,
establish reasonable minimum standards for permits to be issued under this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) A permit issued under this subdivision is valid for five years.
new text end

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

new text begin (e) A person who knowingly makes a false application or assists another in making a
false application for a permit under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. A physician,
certified nurse practitioner, certified physician assistant, or chiropractor who fraudulently
certifies to the commissioner that a person is permanently disabled as described in this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
new text end

new text begin (f) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), the commissioner may issue a permit valid for
the entire life of the applicant if the commissioner determines that there is no chance
that an applicant will become ineligible for a permit under this section and the applicant
requests a lifetime permit.
new text end