This legislative bill amends several sections of the Game and Parks Commission laws in Nebraska, focusing on redefining terms and modifying provisions related to funds, fees, permits, and educational programs. It introduces new language allowing the commission to establish and collect reasonable fees for fish and wildlife education programs, directing proceeds to the Game and Parks Commission Educational Fund. Additionally, the bill creates the Game Law Investigation Cash Fund for investigations to enforce the Game Law and mandates the commission to maintain detailed records of expenditures from this fund. The fee structure for lifetime permits is revised, stating that fees for both resident and nonresident lifetime hunting and fishing permits shall not exceed twenty times the annual fee, replacing previous fixed maximum amounts.

The bill also adjusts application fees and permit costs for hunting permits related to deer, antelope, elk, mountain sheep, and paddlefish, increasing the nonrefundable application fee for deer and antelope from seven to nine dollars, and raising resident and nonresident permit fees significantly. It establishes penalties for violations of the Game Law, classifying misdemeanors and felonies based on the value of wildlife involved. Furthermore, it modifies motorboat registration fees, increasing fees for various classes of boats and introducing an aquatic invasive species stamp for non-registered boats. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the permit application process, enhance wildlife management, and ensure compliance with updated regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-201, 37-247.01, 37-324, 37-327.01, 37-327.04, 37-406, 37-415, 37-431, 37-447, 37-449, 37-450, 37-451, 37-456.01, 37-484, 37-1214, 37-1241.02