1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to game and fish; prohibiting the use of 
  1.3             underwater video cameras to take fish; amending 
  1.4             Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.325. 
  1.5   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.6      Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.325, is 
  1.7   amended to read: 
  1.8      97C.325 [PROHIBITED METHODS OF TAKING FISH.] 
  1.9      (a) Except as specifically authorized, a person may not 
  1.10  take fish with: 
  1.11     (1) explosives, chemicals, drugs, poisons, lime, medicated 
  1.12  bait, fish berries, or other similar substances; 
  1.13     (2) substances or devices that kill, stun, or affect the 
  1.14  nervous system of fish; 
  1.15     (3) nets, traps, trot lines, or snares; or 
  1.16     (4) spring devices that impale, hook, or capture fish. 
  1.17     (b) If a person possesses a substance or device listed in 
  1.18  paragraph (a) on waters, shores, or islands, it is presumptive 
  1.19  evidence that the person is in violation of this section.  
  1.20     (c) The commissioner may, by rule, allow the use of a 
  1.21  nonmotorized device with a recoil mechanism to take fish through 
  1.22  the ice. 
  1.23     (d) Until May 1, 1999, a person may not possess an 
  1.24  underwater video camera while the person is on or in waters of 
  1.25  this state and in personal possession of angling gear, spears, 
  2.1   or other equipment used to take fish, excluding artificial or 
  2.2   natural bait and lures. 
  2.3      Sec. 2.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
  2.4      This act is effective the day following final enactment.