The bill amends Vermont's fish and wildlife statutes, focusing on definitions, penalties, and regulations for wildlife management. It repeals the definitions of "Pickerel" and "Pike perch" in 10 V.S.A. § 4001 and clarifies the conditions under which wild bird nests and eggs may be destroyed in 10 V.S.A. § 4905. A uniform point system for violations is introduced, with specific assessments for various offenses, while outdated hunting and fishing regulations are repealed. The bill also expands access to free fishing licenses for individuals with developmental disabilities and establishes a free mentored fishing weekend. Additionally, it increases penalties for big game violations, raising fines to a maximum of $2,000 for first offenses and $5,000 for subsequent offenses.

Moreover, the bill enhances protections for threatened and endangered species, introduces new penalties for wildlife importation and possession violations, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy wildlife populations. It mandates the Secretary to report on the Agency of Natural Resources' adoption of the Resilience Implementation Strategy by September 15, 2025, which will address climate change adaptation practices. The bill also updates greenhouse gas emissions regulations and extends deadlines for proposed and final rules related to the Resilience Implementation Strategy to 2027 and 2028, respectively. The effective date for the bill's provisions is set for July 1, 2025, with certain sections taking effect earlier.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-4001, 10-4905, 10-4502, 10-4705, 23-3317(b), 23-3317, 4-1102
As Passed By the House -- Official: 10-4001, 10-4905, 10-4502, 10-4705, 23-3317(b), 23-3317, 4-1102
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 10-4001, 10-4905, 10-4502, 23-3317(b), 23-3317, 4-1102
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 10-4001, 10-4905, 10-4502, 10-4705, 23-3317(b), 23-3317, 4-1102, 10-4255, 10-4251, 10-4613, 10-4518, 10-4552, 10-4572, 10-4709, 10-5403(a), 10-5403, 10-5408, 10-5410, 10-4829, 10-599a, 10-596, 10-598(b), 10-598, 10-599c
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 10-4001, 10-4905, 10-4502, 10-4705, 23-3317(b), 23-3317, 4-1102, 10-4255, 10-4251, 10-4613, 10-4518, 10-4552, 10-4572, 10-4709, 10-5403(a), 10-5403, 10-5408, 10-5410, 10-4829, 10-599a, 10-596, 10-598(b), 10-598, 10-599c
As Enacted: 10-4001, 10-4905, 10-4502, 10-4705, 23-3317(b), 23-3317, 4-1102, 10-4255, 10-4251, 10-4613, 10-4518, 10-4552, 10-4572, 10-4709, 10-5403(a), 10-5403, 10-5408, 10-5410, 10-4829, 10-599a, 10-596, 10-598(b), 10-598, 10-599c