The bill amends Vermont's wildlife and fishing laws, focusing on the definitions and regulations concerning the taking of wild animals and fish. It repeals the definitions of "Pickerel" and "Pike perch," and clarifies the prohibition on the destruction of wild birds' nests and eggs, allowing such actions only under specific conditions. The legislation introduces a uniform point system for violations, adjusts points for various offenses, and expands eligibility for free fishing licenses to individuals with developmental disabilities. Additionally, it establishes new rules for fishing tournaments with a tiered fee structure and increases penalties for repeat big game violations, aiming to modernize and clarify wildlife regulations while protecting natural resources.

Furthermore, the bill enhances protections for threatened and endangered species, introduces stricter regulations on their taking, possession, and sale, and establishes penalties for wildlife importation and possession violations. 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 through various practices. The bill also updates deadlines for rule proposals related to this strategy and clarifies responsibilities regarding greenhouse gas emissions, with certain sections taking effect upon passage and others on July 1, 2025, or later.

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