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, who will now operate with the "advice" of the commission rather than requiring their "consent" or "approval" for actions such as extending hunting seasons. The executive director will also have the authority to determine line of duty injuries for conservation officers, with final approval from the governor and council, and will manage wildlife population reductions and the handling of gifts and donations more efficiently.

Additionally, the bill allows the fish and game department to accept individual gifts and donations exceeding $2,500 with the governor and council's approval, eliminating the need for commission consent. It establishes a wildlife legacy initiative account for donations that do not require commission or governor approval, and creates a game management account funded by license sales for population and habitat management. The executive director will have the authority to determine expenditures for various accounts and will independently manage hunting licenses and permits while still consulting the commission. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline operations, enhance the executive director's authority, and improve wildlife management practices 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