Generally revise laws related to the unlawful harassment or harm of game animals, birds, fur-bearers, and predators

HB 661 sought to revise and expand laws related to the unlawful harassment or harm of certain wildlife using vehicles or devices. The bill extended protections to include game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, and predatory animals. It distinguished between harassing these animals, which remained a misdemeanor, and a new, more severe offense of harming, tormenting, torturing, or killing them from a vehicle or device without legal justification. This new offense was classified as a felony, carrying higher fines, potential state prison time, and longer suspensions of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges. Exemptions were included for landowners protecting their property, lawful hunting, and wildlife management practices.