An Act to Eliminate the Natural Areas Program and Reassign Certain Responsibilities Under the Program to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and to Amend the Law Governing Administration of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Bureau of Resource Management
Sponsored By: James Dill (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.
Higher fines for harming listed species
Fines apply to endangered or threatened fish and wildlife. A negligent violation is a Class E crime with a $1,000 fine per violation. An intentional violation is a Class D crime with a $2,000 fine per violation. It is also illegal to intentionally import, sell, or transport a delisted species without authorization, which carries a $2,000 fine per violation.
Clearer species and habitat definitions
The law updates what counts as endangered, threatened, and special‑concern fish and wildlife. It defines natural areas, rare plants, and invasive species. Habitat for listed fish and wildlife now counts as a key conservation factor. The commissioner must set criteria by rule and report to lawmakers at least every 4 years.
New Natural Areas Conservation Fund
The law creates a dedicated, non‑lapsing fund for native plants and natural areas. The fund can accept gifts, grants, fees, and other income. At least 15% of the money is set aside for endangered and threatened species projects. The commissioner may award grants to people, groups, and agencies for research and conservation.
One-year funds for invasives and lists
For FY 2026–27, up to $150,000 may shift to remove invasive stilt grass. In the same year, up to $25,000 may shift to update the official list of threatened and endangered plants. These transfers use available payroll balances after obligations are met. They require the State Budget Officer’s recommendation and the Governor’s approval.
Seed money for conservation fund
The law provides $500 in FY 2026–27 to open the Natural Areas Conservation Fund (account N548). This creates the fund account so the state can start receiving and using money for natural-area and native plant conservation.
State inventories and privacy for species
The commissioner keeps a statewide inventory and databases for natural areas and shares information for planning and conservation. The commissioner may keep exact species locations confidential when disclosure would harm the species. In those cases, only the landowner may get the precise location. The commissioner may also run recovery programs and flag habitats that need special management.
New references for land tax break
The law changes how land is identified for a property tax exemption tied to natural areas. It now uses an official identification database and areas named under Title 12, section 10053. Property owners and local assessors must use these new references to decide if land qualifies. It does not change tax rates or income rules.
Natural areas move to Wildlife Department
The law ends the Natural Areas Program at Agriculture and moves its work to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Bureau of Resource Management is reorganized under two directors (wildlife; fisheries and hatcheries). One manager, one coordinator, and five biologists move with their funding. The board makeup changes and the department now decides which natural communities are rare. Old sections are repealed, headings are updated, and the commissioner may make conservation agreements with other governments and private partners.
Plant lists, data, and a temporary limit
The law defines endangered and threatened plants and sets an official plant list with a public hearing and review every two years. The commissioner now decides plant listings and when natural communities are imperiled or critically imperiled. Exact plant locations can be kept confidential from the public, but not from the landowner or from required environmental reviews. Until September 30, 2029, the commissioner may not adopt new plant‑protection rules unless needed to conserve rare or listed fish or wildlife.
Stronger habitat rules with permit options
The law bans significant changes to habitat identified for listed fish and wildlife. Project sites that include protected habitat are covered, while a single residential lot not in a multi‑lot project remains exempt. Before an approval, the commissioner must certify the action does not pose a significant risk to any listed species population. The commissioner can allow incidental take for lawful activities through plans that meet recovery rules. Snare use is limited to damage control and must include safeguards for non‑target and listed species.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
James Dill
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 706
4/15/2026On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
4/14/2026SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending PASSAGE TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
4/7/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/7/2026HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-972) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-972), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
4/6/2026SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-972).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/6/2026HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence
1/7/2026SenateCommittee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/7/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-972), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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