HS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 596 - This act revises statutes relating to animal neglect and records of the Department of Conservation.

The existing offense for animal neglect, Section 578.009, RSMo, is amended to create a new offense for abandonment, which does not require that substantial harm must result to the animal. Upon conviction of either animal neglect or abandonment, the court may require the defendant to pay reasonable expenses for care of the neglected animals, disposal of any dead or diseased animals, debris clean-up and minimization of other public health risks.

Section 252.043 permits judicial review of a suspension, revocation or denial of a hunting permit by the Conservation Commission. The court may take into consideration any mitigating circumstances to determine if the adverse action on the person's permit should be modified.

Section 252.228 limits access to personal information provided to obtain hunting, fishing or trapping permits. Upon written request of the permit holder, such information would only be available to courts, enforcement agencies and governmental entities in furtherance of mandated duties. Credit card numbers provided to the Department are deemed closed records.

Section 252.244 allows political subdivisions, schools and specified benevolent organizations to prepare and serve wild game in conjunction with special events, or when the organization is feeding the indigent. Individuals would be allowed to donate, collect and transport game lawfully taken to charitable entities for the preparation of meals, provided that all game donated is accompanied by information identifying the donor. Any dining hall where wild game is served must be posted with visible signs alerting diners that the meat has not been subjected to state or federal inspection.

Section 252.247 permits the Conservation Commission to enter into compacts with other states to pursue wildlife violations. Provisions relating to the Department of Conservation were originally drawn for SCS/HCS/HB 1525, 1249 & 1430.
DENISE GARNIER