Assigned to NRAE AS PASSED BY THE SENATE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

REVISED FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2684

archaeological discoveries; vertebrate paleontological specimen

Purpose

Prohibits the collection of vertebrate paleontological specimens (fossils of species with a spine or spinal column, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) on lands owned or controlled by the state without a permit issued by the Arizona State Museum.

Background

Current state law allows only institutions, organizations or corporations organized for scientific research or land use planning purposes to excavate historic, archaeological or vertebrate paleontological sites on lands owned or controlled by the state. In order to conduct excavation activities on state-owned or controlled land, these entities must obtain a permit from the Director of the Arizona State Museum. The permit requirement applies to the collection of archaeological specimens from these lands; however, the collection of vertebrate paleontological specimens from these sites is not included in the permit requirement. H.B. 2684 clarifies that the permit requirement applies to the collection of vertebrate paleontological specimens from lands owned or controlled by the state.

Provisions

1. Prohibits the collection of vertebrate paleontological specimens on lands owned or controlled by the state without a permit issued by the Arizona State Museum.

2. Specifies that a person must "knowingly" excavate a historic, archaeologic or vertebrate paleontological site in order to be prosecuted for illegally excavating on state owned or controlled land.

3. Makes other technical and conforming changes.

4. Provides for a general effective date.

Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole

1. Specifies that a person must "knowingly" excavate a historic, archaeologic or vertebrate paleontological site in order to be prosecuted for illegally excavating on state owned or controlled land.

FACT SHEET H.B. 2684 - Revised Page

House Action Senate Action

GOVOP 2/18/98/98 DP 8-0-1-2 NRAE 3/25/98 DP 5-0-3

3rd Read 3/12/98 48-9-3-0 3rd Read 4/28/98 20-8-2

Prepared by Senate Staff

April 28, 1998

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