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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
unlawful feeding; wildlife; exception
Purpose
Adds placing holiday-related decorations outside of a residence or property as an exception to unlawful feeding of wildlife.
Background
A person commits unlawful feeding of wildlife if the person: 1) intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feeds, attracts or otherwise entices wildlife into an area; and 2) is in a county with a population of more than 280,000 persons. Exceptions are granted for: 1) a person lawfully taking wildlife pursuant to statute and the Arizona Game and Fish Commission rules; 2) public employees acting within the scope of their authority for public safety or for wildlife management purposes; 3) normal agricultural or livestock operational practices; and 4) feeding tree squirrels or birds (A.R.S. § 13-2927). Unlawful feeding of wildlife is a petty offense. Statute requires a person charged with a petty offense to pay a fine of not more than $300 fixed by the court (A.R.S. § 13-802).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Adds placing holiday-related decorations outside of a residence or property as an exception to unlawful feeding of wildlife, if the decorations are not intended to feed, attract or otherwise entice wildlife.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2022
RC/MAH/slp