SENATE BILL 253
52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015
INTRODUCED BY
Mark Moores and Jeff Steinborn
AN ACT
RELATING TO ANIMALS; PROHIBITING COYOTE-KILLING CONTESTS; DEFINING "COYOTE-KILLING CONTEST"; PROVIDING PENALTIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
SECTION 1. A new section of Chapter 30, Article 18 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.--The legislature finds that it would benefit the state to retain its tradition of nonfrivolous hunting by eliminating the practice of coyote-killing contests in concert with long-standing conservation guidelines for hunters and anglers."
SECTION 2. A new section of Chapter 30, Article 18 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:
"[NEW MATERIAL] COYOTE-KILLING CONTESTS PROHIBITED-- DEFINITION--PENALTIES.--
A. It is unlawful for a person to organize, cause, sponsor, arrange, hold or participate in a coyote-killing contest.
B. As used in this section, "coyote-killing contest" means an organized or sponsored competition with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment.
C. Organizing, causing, sponsoring, arranging or holding a coyote-killing contest consists of a person:
(1) knowingly planning, organizing or enticing a person to participate in a coyote-killing contest; or
(2) knowingly providing the venue for a coyote-killing contest.
D. Participation in a coyote-killing contest consists of a person knowingly taking part in a coyote-killing contest.
E. A person who organizes, causes, sponsors, arranges or holds a coyote-killing contest is guilty of a misdemeanor.
F. A person who participates in a coyote-killing contest is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
G. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from protecting a person or property, unless otherwise prohibited by law."
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2015.