Notice of Proposed Rule

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Freshwater Fish and Wildlife
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68A-4.002: Possession of Gun While Using a Light Prohibited
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule is to list exceptions to the prohibition of gun and light possession as provided for in other Commission rules and to provide for concealed weapons permit holders to possess handguns for personal safety. The effect will be to make Commission approved activities consistent with this rule.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule would reference exceptions for the use of guns and lights provided for in other Commission rules and provide for concealed weapons permit holders to possess handguns for personal safety.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 372.99(2) FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, February 6-7, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: The ADA Coordinator, at (850)488-6411. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Nick Wiley, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

68A-4.002 Possession of Gun While Using a Light Prohibited.

(1) Except while engaging in activities provided for in Rules 68A-12.009, 68A-23.002, 68A-24.002, 68A-25.003, 68A-25.032, and 68A-25.042, F.A.C., tThe displaying or use of a light at night in a place where wildlife or freshwater fish might be found and in a manner capable of disclosing the presence of wildlife or freshwater fish, together with the possession of a gun by one or more persons then and there in the presence of each other is prohibited.

(2) The possession of a gun by one or more persons then and there in the presence of each other while displaying or using a light at night shall constitute prima facie evidence of possession by such persons for the purpose of taking wildlife or freshwater fish in violation of this section.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions above, a person in possession of a valid Concealed Weapon or Firearm License may possess concealed handguns under the provisions of Section 790.06, F.S., unless preempted pursuant to state or federal law. This shall not be construed to allow the use of handguns as a legal method of take unless specifically provided for in rule.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.021 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.664, 372.99(2) FS. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-21-82, Formerly 39-4.02, 39-4.002, Amended________.


NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Nick Wiley, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Mr. Kenneth D. Haddad, Executive Director
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 5, 2007
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 7, 2007