HCS/HBs 424 & 534 - This act impacts the Department of Conservation in three areas.

WILDLIFE CODE VIOLATIONS - Clarification is made regarding which sections of Chapter 252, RSMo, constitute Class A and Class B misdemeanors.

UTILIZATION OF VOLUNTEERS - The Department is authorized to supplement its staff with volunteers to assist in the implementation of conservation programs. Volunteers conducting business on behalf of the Department are accorded protection of the legal expense fund, entitled to use state resources and may be reimbursed for necessary expense.

AGENT ARREST POWERS - The arrest powers of agents is extended to lands not owned, operated, managed nor leased by the Department when incident to enforcement of the law pursuant to probable cause. Authorized agents, and peace officers certified by Chapter 590, RSMo, may also arrest without warrant any person the agent believes is committing an assault within the state. This section carries an emergency clause.
DENISE GARNIER