Minneslate Logo

HF1298 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Taking feral swine causing damage authorized.

Related bill: SF541

AI Generated Summary

This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives during the Ninety-Fourth Session (2025), relates to game and fish laws by addressing the control of feral swine. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 97A.56, subdivision 2, and 97B.655, subdivision 1, to authorize landowners and occupants to take feral swine causing damage on their property.

Key Provisions:

  1. Prohibition on Possession and Release (Amendment to 97A.56, Subd. 2):

    • Individuals may not possess, release, or allow feral swine to roam freely, unless permitted under Section 17.457, Subd. 3.
    • Hunting or trapping feral swine is generally prohibited, except as allowed under Section 97B.655 or when authorized by the commissioner for control or eradication.
    • Individuals who shoot a feral swine must report the taking to the commissioner within 24 hours and surrender the swine.
    • Violations result in a misdemeanor and make the violator financially responsible for state-incurred costs and any damages caused by the feral swine.

  2. Authorization for Landowners and Occupants to Take Feral Swine (Amendment to 97B.655, Subd. 1):

    • Landowners and occupants, or their agents, may take feral swine without a license if the animal is causing damage.
    • Swine may be taken in any manner, except with artificial lights during closed seasons or with poison.
    • Individuals who take feral swine must notify a conservation officer within 48 hours but are not required to surrender the animal to the commissioner.

Impact:

  • The bill enhances feral swine control efforts by allowing property owners to manage swine populations more effectively.
  • It ensures accountability by imposing penalties for illegally possessing or releasing feral swine.
  • The legislation differentiates reporting requirements: feral swine taken by private individuals on their land must be reported but do not need to be surrendered.

This bill aims to mitigate the agricultural and ecological damage caused by feral swine while providing clear guidelines for control efforts in Minnesota.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the legality of taking feral swine and mandates reporting within 24 hours."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill authorizes the taking of feral swine causing damage, amending penalties and reporting requirements under section 97A.56, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes the reporting obligations for individuals who take feral swine."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.56",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes feral swine in the list of animals that can be taken without a license under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies the animals that owners and occupants are allowed to take on their property under section 97B.655, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates notification requirements to 48 hours for killing feral swine."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.655",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the existing requirement for permit authorization related to feral swine under section 17.457, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "References existing permit conditions related to possession or release of feral swine."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "17.457",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

Sponsors