Latest news with #SenateBill448
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
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers advance bills aimed at increasing regulation of hunting on Oklahoma's public lands
Two bills would tighten regulations for guides and nonresidents hunting on Oklahoma public land. An Oklahoma game warden speaks with hunters. (Provided photo) OKLAHOMA CITY — Lawmakers advanced two bills this week designed to tighten the state's hunting regulations on Oklahoma public lands by instituting new requirements for guides and nonresidents. Senate Bill 448 heads to the governor's desk after passing off the House floor with a nearly unanimous vote while Senate Bill 208 heads to the House floor moving through a committee Wednesday. The first, authored by Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, would require nonresidents to schedule and obtain written permission before hunting at any refuge or wildlife management area operated by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. A lottery system would be used, if necessary, to distribute permits to nonresidents to hunt. These permits would come at a cost of $100 and the lottery would be used to help ease overcrowding on public lands, Grego said. Micah Holmes, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said the agency supports the bill because it offers another tool to deal with overcrowding. The agency fields complaints of overcrowding on more 'popular' publicly managed lands, he said. Holmes said 'this is a good problem to have,' and it speaks to the 'excellent' land management done by the department. The agency is also looking into other options to monitor how many people are utilizing public lands, including electronic check-ins and road counters, he said. Senate Bill 208, authored by Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, would require the Wildlife Department to create a licensing and registration system for anyone providing 'guiding services' on public lands. Guides are trained professionals who help hunters locate game, navigate terrain and provide other services. The bill excludes 'commercial hunting facilities' and landowners that offer those services on private or leased property. The measure does not outline any fees or guidelines for implementation, but allows the department to create any rules necessary to carry out the legislation. Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, who voted against it, said he's concerned that the bill's language provided no enforcement authority to require these licenses and registration. This measure is eligible to be heard on the House floor. If approved and not amended on the full chamber, it will head to Stitt's desk. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sen. Goode's higher education bill clears Indiana Senate
A higher education bill by state Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, this week cleared the Senate on a 48-1 vote. Goode says Senate Bill 448 would empower the Indiana Commission on Higher Education to play a more active role in the strategic growth of public colleges and universities, calling for commission review and approval on degree programs. It also would require the Indiana Secretary of Education to review and approve more robust 'stackable' credentials to better serve Indiana workforce needs, says Goode. By streamlining the benefits of stackable degrees and certificates, this bill would benefit students, creating an opportunity for them to earn multiple credentials at once when completing courses with overlapping requirements, the senator said in a news release. He said the bill also introduces stronger transparency by requiring enrollment reports for both in-state and out-of-state students, including international students. SB 448 now moves to the Indiana House. Senate District 38 constituents can contact Goode by filling out a 'Contact Me' form online at or at 800-382-9467.
