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. It introduces a new State Wildlife Commission Nominating Committee tasked with providing 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 in New Mexico and political party affiliation. Additionally, it establishes a six-year term limit for commissioners, allowing a maximum of two terms, and outlines the conditions for commissioner removal.

The bill also enhances wildlife management and protection by permitting the commission to extend protections to any wildlife species and mandates annual reporting on species in need of conservation. It amends licensing fees, including provisions for inflation adjustments and discounts for residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Furthermore, it introduces new license types, such as a "shed hunter license," and defines "quality elk" and "quality deer" for regulated hunting seasons. The bill mandates the renaming of the "department of game and fish" to the "department of wildlife" and includes provisions for the transfer of functions and personnel, with various effective dates for the changes.

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