Alex Stavrou

Policy analysis of CS/HB 327 — Illegal Taking, Possession, and Sale of Bears
This bill addresses the illegal sale and trade of bears after hunting and killing them. The bill
increases the penalty for taking or possessing a freshly killed bear during the closed season.
Under the bill, a person who commits such offenses commits a Level Three violation (a first-
degree misdemeanor for the first offense) and forfeits any other Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) license or permit for three years from the violation date. The Bill includes
multiple viewpoints on the trade and hunting of many Florida animals establishing the legality of
possessing such animals without a proper licensing. The FWC requires certain documentation of
such hunting and anyway these animals are being sold and bought on the market.
The impact of the passing on the bill will lie on those who partake in hunting and trying to keep
the animals that are killed for illegal reasons. The policy will help the FWC and other
environmental commissions enforce stricter guidelines and laws to prosecute those who want to
do this illegal behavior. Not only does this affect the closed season, but any illegal action in open
season can be prosecuted. Businesses that sell hunted goods without proper permits can also
have legal action taken against them.
The costs of this include the fact that with any legal selling of commodities relating to such
hunting may slow down due to the fact that there is much more regulation on the activity. Also,
people who want to take part in the activity will lead to more incarcerations adding to jail
capacities all around florida. The benefits include helping the FWC prosecute those who want to
kill and sell bears which may be close to endangerment. The environmental groups will be able
to focus on other issues in the environment besides this one. The FWC could also take their focus
elsewhere.
I support this policy and the passing of it because I appreciate keeping the environment safe for
these animals that are important to the ecosystem. No animals should be killed illegally and sold
for the benefits of a criminal. Bears are not invasive and do not deserve to be killed for no
reason. “prohibiting the illegal taking, possession, and sale of bears; providing an exception;
providing penalties; providing an effective date.” (CS/HB 327). Penalties should be required for
activity like this one.

Citations

Downey, ByRenzo. “Bear Poaching Bill Goes to the Senate with the House's Complete
Support.” Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government., 5 Feb.
2020, floridapolitics.com/archives/318302-bear-poaching-passes-house.

The Florida Senate. “The Florida Senate.” 2020 Bill Summaries - The Florida Senate, The
Florida Senate, 10 Oct. 2019,
www.flsenate.gov/Committees/billsummaries/2020/html/2301.