Wisconsin set to join Wildlife Violator Compact
By Nancy Rottier, Legislative Liaison
On April 1, 2008, Wisconsin will become the 28th state to join the Wildlife Violator Compact (the Compact). The Legislature authorized Wisconsin to join the Compact in 2005 Wisconsin Act 282; the provisions of the compact can be found at s. 29.03, Wis. Stats. All the states surrounding Wisconsin are already members of the Compact.
Compact member states must agree to recognize the suspension of wildlife license privileges of any person whose license privileges have been suspended by a participating state. The suspension must be treated as if it had occurred in the home state. In addition, each member state must allow a violator to accept a wildlife citation and to proceed on his or her way without delay, regardless of residency, if the violator's home state is party to the compact.
Before joining the compact, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed administrative rules to assure due process is afforded to individuals subject to administrative suspensions in this state or who are suspended in a member state.
DNR staff had extensive discussions with staff from the Office of Court Operations and Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) and with several clerks of court to simplify the administrative rules and the procedures required of the court system by the compact. Consultations have continued with the DNR and with the recently-hired Wildlife Violator Compact Administrator.
The Records Management Committee is developing a new form for implementing the Wildlife Violator Compact, as well as a new form to be used for court suspensions or revocation of wildlife licenses permitted under ch. 29, Wis. Stats. The procedures and the forms will be very similar to the current ones used to notify the Department of Transportation of the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. CCAP staff is also making appropriate programming changes for the new procedures. The forms and procedures will most likely be implemented in June 2008. Watch for bulletins from the Director's office explaining the forms and procedures.
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