HB 33 -- OFFICIAL STATE AMPHIBIAN

SPONSOR:  Phillips

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 12 to 0.

This bill designates the North American Bullfrog as the official
state amphibian.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and
FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that Missouri does not have an
official state amphibian.  The North American Bullfrog is found
in every county in Missouri and would be an excellent choice for
this designation.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Phillips; Ian Kirby;
and Department of Conservation.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the bullfrog is a
species that exudes problematic behavior and is a nuisance to
other animals and people.  The hellbender would be a better
choice for the Missouri state amphibian.

Testifying against the bill was Christine Bridges.

Kristina Jenkins, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:17 pm