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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2026-06-23

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill makes several changes to North Carolina's wildlife laws, including protecting sensitive information about rare species locations, authorizing new wildlife-themed vehicle registration plates, adjusting recreational boating safety rules, and allowing the Wildlife Resources Commission to issue elk hunting permits through raffles and auctions to raise conservation funds.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue the bill protects endangered species by keeping their locations confidential, prevents poaching and habitat destruction, and creates a new fundraising mechanism for elk conservation through raffles and auctions.
• •The wildlife registration plates generate additional revenue for conservation efforts, and the boating safety changes align North Carolina with federal standards while maintaining operator safety through personal flotation device and engine cut-off switch requirements.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned that the raffle and auction system for elk permits could be seen as favoring wealthy buyers at auctions over average hunters, and that the 90-day to 60-day reduction in boating reciprocity periods may inconvenience out-of-state visitors.
• •Some may question whether private fundraising through permits should supplement government wildlife budgets, and whether changing personal flotation device requirements on jet skis strikes the right safety balance.