Bill description: HB 528 makes unlawfully killing, possessing, or wasting a single wild animal valued at more than $1,000 a felony rather than a misdemeanor. 

Rating: -1

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for nonviolent crimes? Conversely, does it eliminate or decrease penalties for victimless crimes or non-restorative penalties for non-violent crimes?

According to the decision issued by the Idaho Court of Appeals in the case of State v. Huckabay, Idaho law makes the unlawful killing, possessing, or wasting of wild animals a felony, but only when multiple animals, whose combined value exceeds $1,000, are involved. When only one animal is killed, possessed, or wasted, the crime is a misdemeanor. 

HB 528 modifies Idaho code to make it a felony to unlawfully kill, possess, or waste a single wild animal valued at more than $1,000. 

By making this offense a felony rather than a misdemeanor, HB 528 could lead to more people being heavily fined or imprisoned for an action that historically was simply considered hunting. 

(-1)