Posted by:
wildtropics
at Mon Dec 4 01:14:21 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by wildtropics ]
In 2003 the Louisiana Legislature wanted to ban the ownership of non-indigenous reptiles without permits because of an escaped Burmese python. Bill Watts led the charge to change the impending legislation to permits for 12 foot constrictors and venomous snakes only. He served on the Louisiana Reptile & Amphibian Task Force and argued for the inclusion of Thomas Eimermacher to be a member. During the following years Bill Watts succesfully led the charge to defeat legislation introduced by Rep. Warren Triche of Thibidaux that would have changed existing law and infringe upon the rights of reptile owners. In 2006 he received the pro bono assistance from a professional lobbyist to get the message to law makers. It came to light that the services of a lobbyist would require the LGCHS to inform its members the percentage of their dues that would be used to pay a lobbyist. Additionally, only 20% of the LGCHS budget could be used for this purpose. Bill Watts created the EPOA, The Exotic Pet Owners Association, to raise money to hire a lobbyist to defend the reptile keepers rights in Louisiana. In case of the demise of the EPOA, the LGHCS would be the benificiary. All of this activity and effort by Bill Watts was not for any one entity but for all the reptile enthusiasts of Louisiana and the gulf coast. If you want to be on the alert list, email epoa@cox.net with your name, contact number and email address. Reports of the demise of Bill Watts are premature and he is still a voting member of the LGCHS. Look for new ideas and ventures from him to serve you in the near future.
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 Bill Watts - wildtropics, Mon Dec 4 01:14:21 2006
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