Bill S.107, introduced by Senator Brennan, aims to ensure that the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is financially compensated for revenue lost due to the issuance of free hunting, fishing, trapping, combination, or lifetime licenses authorized by the General Assembly on or after July 1, 2025. The bill amends current law to include provisions that require the state to reimburse the Department for the fee revenue that would have been collected if the full license fees had been paid. Specifically, the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife is tasked with maintaining an accounting of the lost revenue and must submit this information annually to the Department of Finance and Management.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that within 60 days of receiving the accounting of lost revenue, the Commissioner of Finance and Management is required to transfer the equivalent amount from the General Fund to the Fish and Wildlife Fund. This reimbursement process is designed to ensure that the Department can continue its operations without financial detriment due to the issuance of free licenses. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-4255