Terminate bounty payments for nest predators, transfer moneys to the general fund, and declare an emergency.
Summary
House Bill 1262 would amend South Dakota law governing the Department of Game, Fish and Parks’ animal damage control and funding provisions. The bill specifically prohibits the use of state money as a bounty for taking certain animals identified as nest predators, including badgers, opossums, raccoons, striped skunks, red foxes, and any other animal the department designates as a nest predator. It also makes conforming changes to two statutes that currently authorize the department and commission to control certain wild animals and use the Game, Fish and Parks fund for those purposes.
In addition to changing the wildlife control statutes, the bill directs the state treasurer to transfer $500,000 from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks fund to the general fund. It includes an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage and approval rather than waiting for the usual effective date.
Impact
HB1262 would narrow how the Department of Game, Fish and Parks may spend funds on predator control by eliminating bounty payments for specified nest predators and related animals. It would also reduce the Game, Fish and Parks fund by $500,000 and increase the general fund by the same amount, affecting both agency resources and state budget allocations. The bill amends South Dakota Codified Laws §§ 40-36-9 and 41-2-35 and adds a new fiscal transfer requirement.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests the bill faced meaningful resistance. On February 18, 2025, it was deferred to the 41st legislative day by a 7-5 vote, indicating the committee did not advance it immediately and that support was not unanimous. No committee transcript is available, so the broader discussion is not documented here, but the deferment suggests at least some members had concerns about the policy or fiscal effects.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely the elimination of bounty payments for nest predators and the transfer of $500,000 out of the Game, Fish and Parks fund. Supporters may view the bill as a way to stop a controversial wildlife bounty program and redirect money to the general fund, while opponents may argue that predator control tools are needed to protect game birds or other wildlife and that the transfer reduces funding available for department operations. The 7-5 deferment vote indicates the issue was divided, though no transcript is available to identify specific arguments or legislators.