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, ensuring that appointees possess knowledge of wildlife, hunting, and fishing, while also promoting geographical and political diversity. The bill sets term limits, allowing commissioners to serve no more than two terms after January 1, 2027, and outlines the conditions for commissioner removal. Additionally, it expands wildlife management by allowing the commission to extend protections to any species and mandates annual reporting on species in need of conservation.

The bill also introduces amendments to hunting and fishing licenses, including new license types such as "quality elk" and "quality deer," which will facilitate hunting during specially regulated seasons. A "shed hunter license" will be created for residents to hunt shed antlers without a license. 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