The bill proposes a comprehensive reform of wildlife management in the state by renaming the "Department of Game and Fish" to the "Department of Wildlife" and the "State Game Commission" to the "State Wildlife Commission." It establishes a new appointment process for commissioners through a State Wildlife Commission Nominating Committee, which will submit qualified nominees to the governor. The bill sets term limits for commissioners, allowing them to serve no more than two terms after January 1, 2027, with partial terms counting as full terms unless they are less than one year. Additionally, it specifies qualifications for commissioners, requiring knowledge of wildlife, hunting, and fishing, and mandates that they be residents of New Mexico.

The legislation also enhances the management and protection of wildlife by allowing the commission to extend protections to any species and define "species of greatest conservation need." It introduces a new fee structure for licenses, with adjustments for inflation starting in 2027, and offers discounts for residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The bill aligns definitions related to wildlife with the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and outlines the transfer of functions, personnel, and property from the old departments to the new ones, ensuring operational continuity. Most provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, with the new fee structure starting on April 1, 2026, and initial appointments to the State Wildlife Commission occurring in early 2027. Overall, the bill aims to modernize wildlife management and enhance conservation efforts in the state.

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