The bill, HB 202, amends various sections of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes to redefine the roles and responsibilities of the fish and game commission and the executive director of the fish and game department. Key changes include replacing the term "commission" with "department" regarding land postings and establishing the fish and game department as an agency under the executive director, rather than a commission. The bill modifies the duties of the fish and game commissioners, shifting their role to assist the department and advise the executive director on policy matters, rather than being the primary decision-makers. Additionally, the executive director is granted the authority to act with the "advice" of the commission instead of requiring "consent" for actions such as extending hunting seasons and entering agreements with private parties.

Further amendments allow the department to receive individual gifts and donations exceeding $2,500 with the approval of the governor and council, eliminating the previous requirement for commission consent. The bill establishes a wildlife legacy initiative account for donations, which can be used by the executive director with the commission's advice. It also creates a game management account funded by license sales for population and habitat management programs, streamlining the process for expending funds related to fish and game. Other provisions address hunting regulations, including moose permits and hunting license restoration, while introducing a trapping education program and modifying the advisory committee on marine fisheries. Overall, HB 202 aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline the regulatory process for wildlife management in New Hampshire.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 162-C:9, 206:1, 206:4-a, 206:15-b, 206:23-a, 206:23-c, 206:26-c, 206:28, 206:30, 206:33-a, 206:33-c, 206:33-d, 206:34-b, 206:35-a, 206:35-c, 206:38, 207:37-b, 208:1-a, 208:1-e, 208:7-a, 208:22, 209:12-a, 209-A:3, 210:23, 210:25, 211:60, 211:61, 211:62, 212-B:4, 214:1-f, 214:1-g, 214:9-e, 214:9-f, 482-A:10-a