HB 1342

Under current law, a person is guilty of a crime for placing food or edible waste in the open with the intention of luring a wild bear. The law requires a person to be given a warning for the first violation. The bill: Lowers the mental state requirement from intention to criminal negligence knowingly placing the food or edible waste in the open in circumstances where there is a reasonable probability of luring a wild bear; Repeals the requirement that a first offense be given a warning; and Raises the fine for a third or subsequent offense from $2,000 to $5,000. (Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.) (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)