Committee reviews H.230 changes to fish and wildlife law; holds bill overnight

The Ways & Means Committee reviewed H.230 on changes to Vermont fish and wildlife law on matters ranging from fishing-tournament fees to the regulation of reptiles and amphibians and a repeal of a farmer damage-reimbursement program; the committee agreed to hold the bill overnight and plan a vote at 9 a.m. the following day.

The bill, as described by Michael O'Grady, legislative counsel, “makes multiple, I would call them, miscellaneous amendments to fish and wildlife law,” with some sections carrying fiscal implications and others intended to clarify enforcement and regulatory authority.

Committee members and Joint Fiscal Office staff focused on several provisions with practical effects. The bill would replace the current $50 flat fee for any fishing tournament with a tiered permit scale ranging from $10 to $100 and…