An Act to Stabilize and Sustainably Fund the Department of Inland...
An Act to Stabilize and Sustainably Fund the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Fisheries and Hatcheries Division by Increasing the Inland Fishing License Fees and Establishing the Inland Fisheries Conservation and Enhancement Fund
This bill, LD77, aims to ensure stable and sustainable funding for the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Fisheries and Hatcheries Division. It proposes to achieve this by raising the fees for inland fishing licenses and creating a new fund called the Inland Fisheries Conservation and Enhancement Fund. This fund would be used to support conservation and enhancement efforts for inland fisheries.
The bill would primarily affect anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on the state's inland fisheries. Higher license fees would mean these individuals would need to pay more for their fishing licenses, but the additional revenue would support important conservation efforts. This could benefit the environment, wildlife, and future generations of anglers.
As of June 25, 2025, the bill has been placed in the Legislative Files and is considered dead after the Legislature adjourned Sine Die. Key actions include its introduction on January 6, 2025, and its engrossment on May 29, 2025. However, it did not receive further consideration and was ultimately tabled on June 3, 2025.