Bill > H0231

This bill makes numerous technical corrections and changes to various fish and wildlife statutes in Vermont. The bill repeals several outdated definitions related to fish species, clarifies language around bird nest protections, and modifies the point system for fish and wildlife violations. It introduces new provisions for licensing, including free fishing licenses for people with developmental disabilities and a free mentored fishing weekend. The bill adds regulations for taking reptiles and amphibians, including a specific prohibition on importing or possessing pond slider turtles after July 1, 2025. It also expands penalties for wildlife-related offenses, adjusts jurisdictional rules for wildlife violations, and modifies reporting requirements for threatened and endangered species. Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the Climate Superfund Act, including adjusting dates and language around greenhouse gas emissions reporting. Most sections of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, with some specific provisions having different effective dates, such as the reptile and amphibian regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.231