Conservation police officers; clarifies authority. (SB26)

Introduced By

Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Authority of conservation police officers.  Clarifies that conservation police officers may not stop a person for the purpose of determining compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations of the Commonwealth or its localities without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. The bill also repeals a section of the Code allowing conservation police officers to inspect game and fish for the purposes of enforcing bag and creel limits without first making an arrest. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
12/28/2011Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/12 12100889D
12/28/2011Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
01/16/2012Rereferred from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (14-Y 0-N)
01/16/2012Rereferred to Courts of Justice
01/17/2012Impact statement from DPB (SB26)
01/19/2012Rereferred from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (14-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)
01/19/2012Rereferred to Courts of Justice
02/08/2012Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments (9-Y 6-N) (see vote tally)
02/10/2012Constitutional reading dispensed (39-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)
02/13/2012Read second time
02/13/2012Reading of amendments waived
02/13/2012Committee amendments agreed to
02/13/2012Engrossed by Senate as amended SB26E
02/13/2012Printed as engrossed 12100889D-E
02/14/2012Read third time and defeated by Senate (15-Y 25-N) (see vote tally)

Video

This bill was discussed on the floor of the General Assembly. Below is all of the video that we have of that discussion, 1 clip in all, totaling 16 minutes.

Comments

Jerry Frawley writes:

This is a bill in to take away CPO's authority by a Senator who ahs been conviucted twice for game law violations. It obviosly a conflict of interest for him sto submit this bill.

George Wise writes:

This bill should not have passed committee. This is a bad bill introduced by someone for political payback. Kill this bill.

Barbara Colella writes:

Conservation officers must have the right to stop anyone they suspect of breaking laws. We all are subjected daily to inspections at airports and government buildings to ensure we mean no harm. Fishermen and hunters must also submit to this inspection and there should be periodic inspections, just as there are for those driving under the influence. It is for the safety of ALL and the conservation officers are protecting and preserving our wildlife.

Sidney Burr writes:

In order to protect VA wildlife, Conservation Officers must have the same right to stop suspected violaters as any other police officer. I am one Virginian who can not understand why this bill was even introduced and it should be killed immediately.

Patricia writes:

Any way to get back at VDGIF!!! Our wildlife is important and have to be protected by those who know the law protecting all wildlife. Kill this bill wildlife lovers are as mad as hell and will make our voices heard!

Judith Tyson writes:

As a Virginian who has occasionally been asked to show my hunting or fishing license, I am outraged as to why you would seek to change the authority of our Conservation Officers. They are there to protect our wildlife from unscrupulous persons. You are appearing very insensitive to the need for protection. This bill needs to die a quick death. Thank you.

Lily Ohmer writes:

Senator Stuart:

I am asking that you withdraw bill numbers SB17, SB25, SB26 and SB176. These bills are very clearly singling out DGIF for punishment for a reason that you choose not to divulge. These bills will severely hurt the agency and cripple their ability to manage and protect wildlife. As a wildlife afficianado, I am offended that the DGIF is being attacked for the crucial work they do and the important service they provide. The adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies here. Whatever personal issues you have with the DGIF should be resolved using other means than by the political power you hold to cripple them.

Lily Ohmer

VHDOA writes:

This bill was moved to the Courts of Justice Committee. Make your objections known there ASAP.

vhdoa writes:

Waldo-
This bill wasn't passed by the Senate AG committee. It was re-referred to Courts of Justice. For purposes of tracking, it's still in committee.

vhdoa writes:

GREAT WIN!
SB26 killed 15-25 with three Courts members reversing their committee positions to vote NO on the floor.