Bill H.230, introduced by Representative Satcowitz, seeks to amend various provisions related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and the conservation of threatened and endangered species in Vermont. Notable changes include the authorization for the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife to designate Labor Day weekend as a free mentored fishing weekend, allowing unlicensed anglers to fish alongside licensed ones. The bill also introduces a tiered fee structure for fishing tournament permits based on participant numbers, increases penalties for big game violations, and allows for the enforcement of fish and wildlife violations in the Judicial Bureau. Additionally, it clarifies the Commissioner's authority regarding the protection of amphibians and reptiles and repeals the requirement for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to reimburse farmers for crop damage caused by black bears.

The bill includes specific insertions and deletions to existing laws, such as the establishment of a new fee structure for fishing tournament permits, which replaces the previous flat fee of $50.00 with a range from $10.00 to $100.00. It also raises the maximum fines for big game violations from $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 and adjusts minimum fines accordingly. Furthermore, the bill amends 10 V.S.A. § 5410 to enhance confidentiality regarding the locations of threatened or endangered species, allowing disclosure only to certain parties under specific conditions. The previous provisions under 10 V.S.A. § 4829 concerning reimbursement for damages caused by deer or black bears to farmers are repealed, and the definition of a person engaged in farming is removed from this section. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-4251, 10-4613, 10-4518, 10-4552, 10-4572, 10-4709, 10-5403(a), 10-5403, 10-5408, 10-5410, 10-4829