1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to game and fish; allowing scopes on muzzleloaders;amending 
1.3 	Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.031, subdivision 5.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.031, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1.6 		Subd. 5.Scopes~~; visually impaired hunters~~ on muzzleloaders. ~~(a)~~ 
1.7 	~~Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner may issue a special~~ 
1.8 	~~permit, without a fee, to~~ A person may use a muzzleloader with a scope to take deer 
1.9 	during the muzzleloader season ~~to a person who obtains the required licenses and who has~~ 
1.10 	~~a visual impairment. The scope may not have magnification capabilities~~.
1.11 	~~(b) The visual impairment must be to the extent that the applicant is unable~~ 
1.12 	~~to identify targets and the rifle sights at the same time without a scope. The visual~~ 
1.13 	~~impairment and specific conditions must be established by medical evidence verified in~~ 
1.14 	~~writing by a licensed physician, ophthalmologist, or optometrist. The commissioner~~ 
1.15 	~~may request additional information from the physician if needed to verify the applicant's~~ 
1.16 	~~eligibility for the permit.~~
1.17 	~~(c) A permit issued under this subdivision may be valid for up to five years, based~~ 
1.18 	~~on the permanence of the visual impairment as determined by the licensed physician,~~ 
1.19 	~~ophthalmologist, or optometrist.~~
1.20 	~~(d) The permit must be in the immediate possession of the permittee when hunting~~ 
1.21 	~~under the special permit.~~
1.22 	~~(e) The commissioner may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under~~ 
1.23 	~~this subdivision for cause, including a violation of the game and fish laws or rules.~~
2.1 	~~(f) A person who knowingly makes a false application or assists another in making~~ 
2.2 	~~a false application for a permit under this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. A~~ 
2.3 	~~physician, ophthalmologist, or optometrist who fraudulently certifies to the commissioner~~ 
2.4 	~~that a person is visually impaired as described in this subdivision is guilty of a~~ 
2.5 	~~misdemeanor.~~