The bill amends various sections of Vermont's wildlife and fish regulations, focusing on definitions, penalties, and licensing. It repeals the definitions of "Pickerel" and "Pike perch" from 10 V.S.A. § 4001 and clarifies exceptions regarding the destruction of wild bird nests and eggs in 10 V.S.A. § 4905. A uniform point system for violations is introduced, with specific point assessments for various offenses, alongside the repeal of certain sections related to snaring animals and hunting regulations in 10 V.S.A. § 4502. The bill also expands eligibility for free fishing licenses to individuals with developmental disabilities and requires the Commissioner to report on lost revenue from these licenses (10 V.S.A. § 4255). Additionally, it establishes a fee structure for fishing tournament permits based on participant numbers (10 V.S.A. § 4613) and increases penalties for big game violations (10 V.S.A. § 4518), while clarifying jurisdiction for fish and wildlife violations to the Vermont Criminal Division of the Superior Court (10 V.S.A. § 4552).

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions for the management of reptiles and amphibians, prohibiting their intentional taking without authorization and allowing the Commissioner to set rules for their collection and sale. It also restricts the importation and possession of pond slider turtles under specific conditions and outlines penalties for related violations. The bill enhances protections for threatened and endangered species, requiring public notice and comment periods for permits and ensuring confidentiality of species locations. It mandates the Agency of Natural Resources to report on the implementation of a Resilience Implementation Strategy by September 2025, focusing on climate change adaptation practices. The bill extends deadlines for rule adoption related to this strategy to 2027 and 2028 and updates definitions concerning greenhouse gas emissions, with the State Treasurer tasked to assess costs associated with these emissions by January 15, 2027. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, with some sections effective upon passage or on specific dates in 2026 and 2027.

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