SENATE BILL 266

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Jeff Steinborn

AN ACT

RELATING TO GAME AND FISH; AMENDING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 17 NMSA 1978 TO CLARIFY THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE STATE GAME COMMISSION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 17-1-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1921, Chapter 35, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "17-1-1. DECLARATION OF POLICY.--It is the purpose of [this act] Chapter 17 NMSA 1978 and the policy of the state [of New Mexico] to provide an adequate and flexible system for the protection of the [game and fish] wildlife of New Mexico [and for their use and development for public recreation and food supply] as a public trust resource for the use and enjoyment of all New Mexicans, including future generations, and to provide for their propagation, [planting] protection, regulation and conservation [to the extent necessary to provide and maintain an adequate supply of game and fish within the state of New Mexico]."

     SECTION 2. Section 17-2-2 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1937, Chapter 23, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "17-2-2. GAME TO BE PROTECTED.–[The game animals and quadrupeds, game birds and fowl and game fish as herein defined shall be protected, and hunting, taking, capturing, killing or possession or attempt to hunt, take, capture or kill of any or all species named herein shall be regulated by the state game commission under the authority of Chapter 117 of the 1931 Session Laws of the State of New Mexico] The state game commission has authority to protect all species of wildlife, including protected game species, furbearers and non-game species."

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