The proposed bill seeks to reform the appointment process for the State Game Commission, which will be renamed the State Wildlife Commission, and establish term limits for its commissioners. A new State Wildlife Commission Nominating Committee will be created to submit a list of qualified nominees to the governor. The bill specifies that commissioners must possess knowledge of wildlife, hunting, and fishing, and sets requirements for their appointment, including residency and professional background. It establishes a term limit of two terms for commissioners starting January 1, 2027, and outlines the conditions for removal from office. Additionally, the bill enhances wildlife management by allowing the commission to extend protections to any species and mandates annual reporting on species in need of conservation.

Moreover, the bill introduces several amendments to hunting and fishing licenses in New Mexico, including new license types such as "quality elk" and "quality deer," which allow hunting during specially regulated seasons. It also creates a "shed hunter license" for residents that does not require a permit. The bill mandates a name change for the "department of game and fish" to the "department of wildlife" and the "state game commission" to the "state wildlife commission," effective July 1, 2026. It includes provisions for the transfer of functions and personnel to the new department, adjusts license fees for inflation starting April 1, 2027, and establishes a timeline for initial appointments to the new wildlife commission, with terms beginning January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 17-1-1, 17-2A-1, 17-1-2, 17-1-26, 17-2-38, 17-3-13, 17-2-2
Final Version: 17-2A-1, 17-1-2, 17-1-26, 17-2-38, 17-3-2, 17-3-7, 17-3-13