Bill > A112

This bill clarifies that the Fish and Game Council has the sole authority to regulate freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping, ensuring that the council's decisions on these matters are paramount and cannot be overridden by other state agencies or officials without the council's approval. The legislation also renames the "Division of Fish, Game and Shell Fisheries" to the "Division of Fish and Wildlife" and clarifies the council's position within the Department of Environmental Protection as being "in, but not of," the division, meaning it operates independently. Additionally, the bill specifies that the director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife is appointed by the Fish and Game Council, and while generally under the supervision of the commissioner, the director must follow the council's direction regarding the State Fish and Game Code and related policies. This aims to centralize decision-making authority for freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping with the Fish and Game Council.