Bill S.288, introduced by Senator Brennan, aims to amend the current fishing and hunting license fee structure in Vermont to allow nonresident full-time students to purchase these licenses at the same cost as residents. The bill specifies that eligible nonresident students must be enrolled in public or independent schools in grades nine through twelve, in postsecondary education institutions, or in postgraduate programs located within the state. To qualify, students must present a valid student identification card or other documentation confirming their status.

The proposed changes include amendments to 10 V.S.A. § 4255, which outlines license fees. Notably, the bill deletes the requirement that nonresident students must have completed two successive semesters to qualify for resident license fees and instead introduces a definition of a full-time student as one registered for at least 12 credit hours per semester. The bill also clarifies that nonresident students will be entitled to purchase fishing, hunting, or combination licenses at resident rates, effective July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-4255