To enact sections 1531.40 to 1531.44 of the Revised Code to require nuisance wild animal control companies and individuals who provide nuisance wild animal removal or control services to be licensed by the Director of Natural Resources.

Section 1. That sections 1531.40, 1531.41, 1531.42, 1531.43, and 1531.44 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 1531.40.  As used in sections 1531.40 to 1531.44 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Nuisance wild animal" means a wild animal that is causing a threat to public safety or that may cause damage or harm to a structure, property, or person.

(B) "Nuisance wild animal control company" means a business that provides nuisance wild animal removal or control services for hire to the owner or operator of property or a structure.

Sec. 1531.41.  (A) No person shall own or operate a nuisance wild animal control company without obtaining a license from the director of natural resources for each location that is owned or operated by the person in this state. The license shall be renewed annually prior to the first day of March and shall expire on the last day of February. An applicant shall pay a license fee of one hundred dollars for each license that the applicant obtains.

(B)(1) The owner or operator of a nuisance wild animal control company shall employ only individuals who are licensed under section 1531.42 of the Revised Code to provide removal or control services.

(2) The owner or operator of a nuisance wild animal control company is responsible for the acts of each of the company's employees in the removal or control of a nuisance wild animal.

(C) If a pesticide is used by a nuisance wild animal control company in the removal or control of a nuisance wild animal, the owner or operator of the company shall obtain the appropriate license under Chapter 921. of the Revised Code. Upon obtaining a license under that chapter, the owner or operator shall so notify the director.

Sec. 1531.42.  No individual shall provide nuisance wild animal removal or control services for hire in the state without obtaining a license to do so from the director of natural resources. The license shall be renewed annually prior to the first day of March and shall expire on the last day of February. An applicant shall pay a license fee of fifteen dollars.

If a pesticide is used by an individual in the removal or control of a nuisance wild animal, the individual shall obtain the appropriate license under Chapter 921. of the Revised Code. Upon obtaining a license under that chapter, the individual shall so notify the director.

Sec. 1531.43.  The director of natural resources shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing license application procedures and requirements, enforcement procedures, and any other procedures and requirements that are necessary to implement sections 1531.41 to 1531.44 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 1531.44.  All money collected under sections 1531.41 and 1531.42 of the Revised Code shall be deposited to the credit of the nuisance wild animal control fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. Money in the fund shall be used by the director of natural resources for the administration and enforcement of sections 1531.41 to 1531.44 of the Revised Code.