The bill, HB 1199, authorizes the Fish and Game Department to create a permit and fee structure for providing personnel, equipment, or expertise to other state agencies upon request, allowing the Department to recover costs associated with this assistance. The executive director will consult with the fish and game commission to determine the fee structure based on actual costs incurred. Additionally, the bill amends the provisions for lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, enabling discounted licenses to be issued to residents from birth until their first birthday, with fees set by the executive director. It also reclassifies interest earned on the prepaid Fish and Game License Fund exceeding 5% as unrestricted funds for general departmental use.

Moreover, the bill establishes a nonlapsing Fish and Game Modernization and Sustainability Account within the Fish and Game Fund, allowing for the crediting of up to $600,000 from the prepaid Fish and Game License Fund in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Starting in fiscal year 2029, an annual appropriation of $50,000 will be allocated, contingent on the prepaid license fund balance remaining above $1,000,000. The funds are intended to support technological modernization and public education efforts, although the bill does not provide clear appropriation authority for the initial fiscal years, indicating that future budget requests will be necessary.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 214:9-c, 6:12