The bill amends Vermont's wildlife and fish regulations, focusing on definitions, penalties, and licensing. It repeals the definitions for "Pickerel" and "Pike perch" and clarifies exceptions regarding the destruction of wild bird nests and eggs. A uniform point system for violations is introduced, with specific assessments for various offenses, while outdated provisions related to hunting and fishing are repealed. The bill expands eligibility for free fishing licenses to individuals with developmental disabilities and requires the Commissioner to report on lost revenue from these licenses. Additionally, it establishes a new free mentored fishing weekend, modifies permit fees for fishing tournaments, and increases penalties for big game violations.

Furthermore, the bill introduces regulations for the management of reptiles and amphibians, prohibiting the intentional taking of these species without authorization from the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife. It specifies that certain violations may be charged as minor violations under specific conditions and outlines penalties for the importation, possession, and sale of specific turtle species. The legislation enhances protections for threatened and endangered species and mandates the Secretary to report on the Agency of Natural Resources' adoption of the Resilience Implementation Strategy by September 15, 2025. This Strategy will address climate change adaptation practices and outline criteria for prioritizing climate adaptation projects. The bill also updates definitions related to greenhouse gas emissions and modifies timelines for proposed rules, with varying effective dates for different sections.

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