Below is a compilation and brief summary/description of the legislative proposals we as a hobby and industry are currently facing on the state and federal level as of 2/03/11 (to my knowledge). I have taken the time to piece this together with the hope that it will serve useful for all members of Kingsnake.com and the reptile community in general. If your state appears in the list below, I strongly encourage you to take appropriate action to ensure your continued freedom to own and work with reptiles.
Federal: HR 511 has been introduced by Representative Tom Rooney (FL-16), once again, to add nine species of boas and pythons to the Injurious Wildlife listing of the Lacey Act, therefore prohibiting importation, and all Interstate commerce/transport of these species. Text is now available. Search by "bill number" for "HR511" on the Library of Congress Website:
H.R.511
Ohio: In a ballot initiative deal brokered last year between the Humane Society of the United States (H.S.U.S) and former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, an "emergency executive order" has been issued by former Governor Strickland on his last day in office to outlaw the sale and possession of many exotic animals including crocodilians, venomous, and the large constrictors for 90 days. PIJAC, USARK, and OAAO are currently working to overturn this order by contacting the now Governor Kasich:
Ohio
Pennsylvania: A recent news report indicates that state senator Richard Alloway plans to introduce legislation in the state of Pennsylvania to "ban the sale of some exotic pets" including crocodilians and venomous reptiles. More information will be posted when available:
Pennsylvania
Mississippi: In a Feb 01, 2011 PetAlert issued by PIAC, the state of Mississippi is considering a "Non Native Reptile Program" to prohibit the release of non native snakes, regulate "venomous" and "constricting" snakes of any kind (how, I do not know), and requires a person to report or turn in any snakes to the department:
Mississippi
Connecticut: The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a state rule change that would ban the sale and possession of many exotic animals including venomous, large constrictors, crocodilians, and many species of Monitors and other lizards. A public hearing will be held on Feb. 15 2011, and comments will continue to be accepted until March 1st. See the PIJAC Alert for more information if you reside in the state of Connecticut:
Connecticut
Indiana: Senate Bill 17 has been prefilled in the Indiana Assembly to make it a Class C Misdemeanor for anyone in "the business of selling exotic reptiles" to obtain a $50 annual permit. This section also provides that any person not in the business of selling exotic reptiles who sells, barters, trades, or in any other way transfers possession of an exotic reptile without notifying the Department of Natural Resources will commit a Class C infraction:
Indiana
Nebraska: Nebraska bill 64 seeks to amend current regulations by requiring "captive wildlife permits" for all "wild reptiles". More information to be posted when it becomes available.
Nebraska
