Latest news with #SB208
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Is Making Nonresidents Get Permission, Pay $100 to Hunt Public Land
Hunting in Oklahoma could look a lot different this fall, particularly for nonresident hunters and professional guides, thanks to two key pieces of legislation – one of which is already law, while the other is gaining rapid support. Signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt into law on Wednesday, Senate Bill 448 creates a lottery-style permit system for nonresident hunters who want to hunt Oklahoma's Wildlife Management Areas, or WMAs, and National Wildlife Refuges in the state. Nonresident hunters will have to obtain written authorization from the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. If demand outpaces the number of hunters these areas can support, a lottery will determine access. On top of regular license costs, successful applicants will also pay a permit fee of up to $100. It's not clear how many nonresidents will be allowed to hunt a given property before the lottery kicks in. Supporters claim the new rules will help manage hunting pressure and protect public land access for Oklahoma residents. 'The passage of Senate Bill 448 marks a significant step forward in safeguarding Oklahomans' access to our state's wildlife management areas,' said Sen. Warren Hamilton, a sponsor of the bill. 'This legislation prioritizes the rights of our citizens while continuing to welcome visiting outdoorsmen from other states through the lottery system and permitting process outlined in this bill.' ODWC has backed the move, calling it a tool to prevent overcrowding on popular public lands. But not everyone's thrilled. Some hunters have voiced concern about limiting access for DIY traveling sportsmen and the potential impact on local hunting economies. Before reaching the governor's desk, SB 448 passed the state Senate with a unanimous vote, then proceeded to the House, where it passed 78-1. The new law takes effect on Nov. 1. More Regs for Outfitters While SB 448 is now officially law, SB 208 is still moving through the legislative process, but is gaining momentum quickly. SB 208, written by Rep. Ty Burns, would require all hunting guides operating in Oklahoma to register and obtain a state license through the ODWC. Commercial hunting preserves and landowners guiding only on their own property are exempt from this requirement. The ODWC will handle details like license fees, training, and background checks. Supporters say SB 208 is about raising standards and ensuring professionalism in the field. Critics argue it could burden small, independent guides and shrink Oklahoma's hunting tourism. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in March and has cleared key House committees. It's expected to reach the House floor for a vote in the coming weeks. Like SB 448, if passed, SB 208 would go into effect on Nov. 1, 2025. Both SB 448 and SB 208 reflect a broader push for tighter management of Oklahoma's public lands. If SB 208 becomes law, out-of-state hunters and guides will face a dramatically different system this fall.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed Arkansas legislation poses danger to citizens' direct democracy efforts
Arkansans protest several bills introduced by Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, that would change the citizen-led ballot initiative process Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at the Arkansas Capitol. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) Eight anti-direct democracy bills sponsored by Rep. David Ray and Sen. Kim Hammer threaten Arkansans' fundamental right to self-governance. Even one of these — HB1221, HB1222, SB207, SB208, SB209, SB210, SB211 and SB212 — threaten Arkansans' fundamental right to self-governance. Even one of these bills becoming law would severely weaken our direct democracy, affecting state, county and municipal levels. During the Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Hammer and his supporting citizens repeatedly mentioned 'abortion' in their commentary about these 'petitioning' bills. It appears the true aim of this legislation is to destroy the direct-democracy process to prevent abortion access from reaching the ballot, as it nearly did in 2024. Further, the committee's actions, which included limiting the voices of Arkansans who traveled to the Capitol to share their concerns about the bills, reinforce a dangerous precedent set during the last legislative session. This creates a potentially dangerous scenario of the Legislature versus The People. Arkansas has long been a national leader in constitutionally protected access to direct democracy. These bills are part of a broader, coordinated effort across the country, with Arkansas being one of many states targeted by 171 proposed measures to restrict direct democracy. The only beneficiaries will be legislators seeking to consolidate power, along with wealthy, out-of-state special interests that can afford to manipulate the system. Unconstitutional emergency clauses: Many bills contain emergency clauses that violate Arkansas Supreme Court rulings. Constitutional violations: Several bills attempt to bypass or weaken constitutional protections for direct democracy. Unequal power structure: These bills would establish an unfair and unconstitutional imbalance of power between the Legislature and the people. Exploitable loopholes: By adding unnecessary procedural barriers, these bills create new ways for opponents to easily block citizen-led ballot measures. None of these bills improve the direct democracy process. I have repeatedly called for legislation requiring the Secretary of State, Attorney General and Ethics Commission to create clear, consistent administrative rules for ballot initiatives under the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act. This would address issues caused by conflicting statutes and siloed agency responsibilities. Arkansas currently ranks 50th in the nation in both civics education and civic engagement. Instead of restricting direct democracy, the Legislature should seize this moment to build on civic energy and create a more accessible, transparent process that strengthens our democracy. Shackling direct democracy, restricting political speech and undermining our state motto are an affront to all Arkansans. Every legislator who values their oath of office and believes in protecting both Arkansas and the U.S. Constitutions should stand with the people and vote against these anti-democracy bills. As a native Arkansan who has managed four grassroots ballot initiative campaigns in the past five years, I can attest that these eight bills are deliberately designed to discourage participation and price ordinary Arkansans out of the process. Our state motto is 'Regnat Populus (The People Rule).' Let's ensure it remains true by rejecting these harmful bills and preserving our strong tradition of direct democracy. Arkansas should continue to lead the nation in empowering its citizens, not become a cautionary tale of democracy's erosion. The Arkansas Public Policy Panel provides hands-on experience in civic participation by helping community groups organize, create infrastructure, set goals and develop action plans to reach those goals.
