Bill S.289, introduced by Senator Brennan, aims to ensure that the Department of Fish and Wildlife is reimbursed for lost license fee revenue resulting from the issuance of free, discounted, or exempt hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses starting July 1, 2026. The bill amends current law to include provisions that require the Department to be compensated for the revenue lost due to these statutorily mandated licenses. Specifically, it establishes that the reimbursement will equal the amount of lost revenue from the free or discounted licenses and mandates the Commissioner to maintain an accounting of this lost revenue.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for reimbursement, stating that the Commissioner must submit an annual accounting of lost revenue to the Commissioner of Finance and Management, who is then required to deposit the equivalent amount into the Fish and Wildlife Fund within 30 days. The reimbursement will be sourced from the General Fund, as approved by the General Assembly. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aligning the reimbursement process with the implementation of the new licensing requirements.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-4255