The proposed bill amends Nebraska's game and parks regulations, primarily adjusting permit fees and the issuance process for various permits. The annual permit fee for resident motor vehicles is increased from thirty-five dollars to fifty dollars, while the temporary permit fee rises from seven dollars to ten dollars. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision allowing the commission to charge an issuing fee for permits, replacing the previous maximum fee of one dollar for clerical work associated with issuing permits. The regulations for limited permits for hunting mountain sheep, deer, antelope, wild turkey, and elk are also modified, allowing for the auction of up to two additional mountain sheep permits, provided the total does not exceed those awarded through random drawing. The bill clarifies eligibility criteria for limited permits and establishes reduced fees for these permits.

Moreover, the bill amends Section 37-1214 regarding motorboat registration, requiring owners to register or renew their registration every three years with fees based on the boat class. The registration fees are set at twenty-eight dollars for Class 1 boats, fifty-one dollars for Class 2, seventy-two dollars and fifty cents for Class 3, and one hundred twenty dollars for Class 4. It also mandates that non-registered motorboat owners purchase an aquatic invasive species stamp, valid for one year, with costs ranging from ten to thirty dollars. The bill removes the previous minimum fee of ten dollars for the stamp, which must be affixed to the vessel, and allocates proceeds to the State Game Fund. Additional information requirements for registration applications are specified, and the bill mandates an implementation date for these changes by January 1, 2021, while repealing several sections of existing law related to motorboat registration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-438, 37-440, 37-451, 37-455, 37-1214