Appropriations committee reviews Game and Fish budget under House Bill 1017, approves 'okay' on several items

The House Appropriations - Government Operations Division on Wednesday reviewed House Bill 1017, the Game and Fish budget bill, and marked “okay” by consensus on multiple budget line items while discussing insurance premium increases, habitat and grant funding, vehicle and equipment needs, and audit requirements.

The session opened with Chairman Munson calling the committee back to order and Brian Hosek, Administrative Services Division Chief with Game and Fish, presenting the department's budget worksheet and long-sheet adjustments. Hosek told the committee the department had a property revaluation showing about $32,300,000 in property value and an increase of nearly $13,600,000 in replacement value; he said the department requested an additional $34,000 to address increased insurance premiums tied to that revaluation. Hosek also noted pond liners carry a 25-year warranty and described a new landowner–hunter matching tool expected next fall.

Why it matters: committee members repeatedly pressed for clarity on where state, federal and special funds pay for department operations and capital needs. Lawmakers noted the department relies heavily on federal matches for fisheries and wildlife projects, which affects whether the state must add matching funds. Becky from the Office of Management and Budget clarified that some reductions shown in the agency's long sheet reflect expected declines in grant receipts rather than a unilateral cut by the governor's office.

Key discussion points

- CRP and habitat: Hosek provided a…