HJR 1: CA: Establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish
The proposed constitutional amendment aims to establish a right to hunt and fish in the state. This right would be subject to laws and regulations established by the state to promote wildlife conservation and management, as well as to preserve the future of hunting and fishing. The amendment would not limit the application of laws or property rights related to trespass or private property. If adopted, the amendment would take effect immediately.
| Feb. 05, 2025 | Referred to committee: General Government |
| Feb. 03, 2025 | Introduced |
As Introduced
36th General Assembly Regular Session 2025-2026
H. J. R. No. 1
Representatives Ferguson, Santucci Cosponsors: Representatives Fischer, Williams, Mathews, T., Gross, Hiner, Miller, K., Claggett, Stewart, Lorenz, Dean, Klopfenstein, McClain, Barhorst, Hall, T., Jones, Deeter, Fowler Arthur, Willis, Lear, King, Johnson, Demetriou, Workman, John
A J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
Proposing to enact Section 23 of Article I of the 1
Constitution of the State of Ohio to establish a 2
constitutional right to hunt and fish. 3
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of 4
Ohio, three-fifths of the members elected to each house 5
concurring herein, that there shall be submitted to the electors 6
of the state, in the manner prescribed by law at the general 7
election to be held on November 4, 2025, a proposal to enact 8
Section 23 of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio 9
to read as follows: 10
ARTICLE I
Section. 23. (A) The right to hunt, fish, and harvest 12
wildlife is a valued part of Ohio's heritage and shall be 13
forever preserved for the public good. 14
(B) The people have a right, which includes the right to 15
use traditional methods, to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife 16
H. J. R. No. 1 As Introduced
that are traditionally pursued. This right is subject only to 17
the laws prescribed by the General Assembly and rules prescribed 18
by virtue of the authority of the General Assembly to do either 19
of the following: 20
(1) Promote wildlife conservation and management; 21
(2) Preserve the future of hunting and fishing. 22
(C) Hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of 23
managing and controlling wildlife in this state. 24
(D) This section shall not be construed to limit the 25
application of any provision of law or of the constitution 26
relating to trespass or property rights. 27
EFFECTIVE DATE
If adopted by a majority of the electors voting on this 29
proposal, Section 23 of Article I of the Constitution of the 30
State of Ohio enacted by this proposal shall take effect 31
immediately. 32