Rhode Island § 20-39-5 - Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

§ 20-39-5. Hearing on suspension.

(a) Prior to suspending the hunting, trapping, or fishing privileges of any person under § 20-39-3 or § 20-39-4, the department of environmental management shall immediately notify the person in writing. The person may, within twenty (20) days of the notice, request a hearing before the department on whether the requirements for suspension have been met.

(b) Upon request, the department shall set a hearing as early as practicable.

(c)(1) The requesting person may present evidence and arguments at the hearing contesting whether:

(i) A participating state suspended the person’s privileges;

(ii) There was a final conviction in the participating state;

(iii) The person failed to comply with the terms of a citation issued for a wildlife violation in a participating state; or

(iv) A conviction in a participating state could have led to the forfeiture of privileges under Rhode Island law.

(2) Grounds other than those listed in subsection (a) may not be used to contest the department’s decision to suspend the person’s privileges.

(d) At the hearing, the department, through its authorized agent, may:

(1) Administer oaths;

(2) Issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses; and

(3) Admit all relevant evidence and documents, including notifications from participating states.

(e) Following the hearing, the department, through its authorized agent, may, based on the evidence, affirm, modify, or rescind the suspension of privileges.