Wildlife law protects records, regulates boats, and funds elk permits

The Wildlife Resources Commission must protect listed personal and sensitive wildlife information from public disclosure. Personal information includes addresses, email addresses, customer numbers, birth dates, telephone numbers, and other listed identifying information. Site-specific records about rare species or sensitive habitats are covered when the Executive Director finds a risk of harm, theft, or destruction. The sensitive-location protection does not apply when the recorded landowner requests the records. Social Security numbers and identifying information remain subject to the State's public-record privacy rules. This provision is effective when the act became law.

The Division of Motor Vehicles must issue Lifetime Conservationist and Wildlife Resources special plates under the stated special-plate rules. The plates are available to registered motor-vehicle owners. Wildlife Resources plates show the Commission's name and a native North Carolina wildlife species. The Lifetime Conservationist plate has a $30 additional fee, with listed proceeds divided between the Special Registration Plate Account and the Collegiate and Cultural Attraction Plate Account. At least 300 applications for a Wildlife Resources plate featuring a particular native species are required before that plate is developed. Wildlife Resources plate proceeds go to the Wildlife Conservation Account, and Lifetime Conservationist plate proceeds go to the Wildlife Resources Fund. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.

Boat owners covered by another state's or federal numbering system must record their identification number before operating in North Carolina beyond the stated reciprocity period. The rule covers vessels with a valid federal or other-state identification number and vessels operating on North Carolina waters. Personal watercraft riders must use approved flotation devices. The owner records the existing number instead of receiving another North Carolina number. Personal watercraft with a manufacturer-installed engine cut-off switch must use the switch while operating on plane or above displacement speed, as stated in the provision. Personal watercraft must be operated reasonably and prudently; listed dangerous maneuvers count as reckless operation. This section takes effect October 1, 2026. The reciprocity period stated in the provision is 60 consecutive days.

The Wildlife Resources Commission must offer one resident elk permit by raffle and one elk permit by auction for the 2027 hunting season. Raffle ticket buyers must hold a North Carolina hunting license or qualify for a licensing exemption. The auction organization must be a nonprofit wildlife conservation group involved in bringing elk back to North Carolina. Raffle tickets cost $20 each, or $500 for up to 30 tickets. The Commission may keep actual raffle-administration costs up to $25,000. The auction nonprofit may keep no more than 25% of auction proceeds. Remaining proceeds must support elk conservation and management. The permits cannot be transferred, resold, or reassigned. The required raffle and auction apply to the 2027 hunting season. For later seasons, the Commission may continue the programs after evaluating its elk-management goals and must hold a raffle if it holds an auction.