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VermontH.9282025-2026 SessionHouse

An act relating to technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Fees for wildlife facilities and activities

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Commissioner may charge for using Fish and Wildlife lands and facilities. Kehoe Education Center and Buck Lake Camp daily rates are $300 for partner groups and towns, or $600 for private entities. Kehoe also lists a $150 damage deposit and a $5 charge per K–12 student. Buck Lake school groups pay $5 per student per day. Cabin rentals cost $60 per night for four people, plus $5 per additional person. Kehoe weddings cost $5,000, or $4,000 with a certified wedding planner. Controlled waterfowl hunts at Dead Creek and Mud Creek cost $10 per person. Grand Isle Fish Culture Station meeting rooms cost $25 per day. Gordon Center Training Facility charges $25 per person per night. Special-use permits and licenses have a $50 minimum and $10,000 maximum fee. Collected fees go into the Fish and Wildlife Fund.

Revised penalties for fish and wildlife violations

Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont revises the points assigned after convictions for fish and wildlife violations. Most covered violations carry five points; listed offenses carry 10 or 20 points. Shooting from a motor vehicle moves from 10 to 20 points, while deer feeding leaves the 10-point schedule. The law also changes listed turkey, moose, bow, bear, deer, and other hunting offenses. At 10 or more accumulated points, licenses issued under this fish and wildlife law are suspended.

Residents help shape Champion lands plans

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Agency of Natural Resources must involve Vermont residents and towns in Champion lands planning. This covers making and updating long-term management plans for portions transferred to the Agency. The law also revises a 1999 appropriation, allocating $5.5 million for Champion land acquisition and affordable housing. It does not create a direct household payment.

License fees and temporary big game charges

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law lists fishing and hunting licenses at $28 each, and a combined license at $47. Moose licenses cost $100; bear tags cost $5. Archery, muzzleloader, turkey, trapping, and additional deer archery licenses or tags each cost $23. For ages 17 and under, hunting costs $8, trapping $10, and a combined hunting and fishing license $12. Fishing licenses for ages 15–17 cost $8; three-day fishing licenses cost $11; mentored hunting licenses cost $10. When the Board finds extra big game tags or permits necessary, the Department may issue those not already listed in law. It may charge a temporary fee matching or similar to the fee for the same big game. Legislative approval is required within one year after the fee is assessed. Without approval, the fee is void, and the Department cannot charge another temporary fee for that same tag or permit.

Annual hunting and fishing license dates change

Beginning July 1, 2026, annual licenses expire on December 31 of their issue year or 365 days after issuance. The Commissioner chooses the expiration rule. Annual licenses start January 1 of the issue year or on the purchase date. Term licenses remain valid only for the period printed on the license. Licenses can be sold before they take effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on June 17, 2026

    5/29/2026House

  2. Signed by Governor on June 17, 2026

    5/29/2026House

  3. Delivered to Governor on June 11, 2026

    5/29/2026House

  4. House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment

    5/28/2026House

  5. Senate proposal of amendment concurred in

    5/27/2026House

  6. Rules suspended and taken up for immediate consideration as moved by Rep. McCoy of Poultney

    5/27/2026House

  7. Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/27/2026House

  8. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/26/2026Senate

  9. Rules suspended & messaged to House forthwith, on motion of Senator Baruth

    5/26/2026Senate

  10. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

    5/26/2026Senate

  11. New Business/Third Reading

    5/26/2026Senate

  12. 3rd reading ordered

    5/22/2026Senate

  13. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance, as amended, agreed to

    5/22/2026Senate

  14. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, as amended, agreed to

    5/22/2026Senate

  15. Which was agreed to

    5/22/2026Senate

  16. Senator(s) Hardy, Beck, Brock, Chittenden, Cummings, Gulick, and Mattos motion to substitute amendment for Committee on Finance recommendation of amendment; text

    5/22/2026Senate

  17. Reported favorably by Senator Hardy for Committee on Finance with proposal of amendment

    5/22/2026Senate

  18. Which was agreed to

    5/22/2026Senate

  19. Senator(s) Williams motion to substitute amendment for Committee on Natural Resources and Energy recommendation of amendment; text

    5/22/2026Senate

  20. Reported favorably by Senator Williams for Committee on Natural Resources and Energy with proposal of amendment

    5/22/2026Senate

  21. Consideration resumed

    5/22/2026Senate

  22. Proposal of amendment to be offered by Senator(s) Hardy

    5/22/2026Senate

  23. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance

    5/22/2026Senate

  24. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy

    5/22/2026Senate

  25. Consideration postponed Second Reading

    5/22/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • As Enacted (ACT 159)Opens in a new window

    6/19/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers

    6/5/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)

    6/5/2026

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment

    5/27/2026

    PDF

  • Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)

    5/27/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House

    3/26/2026

    PDF

  • As Passed by the House (Unofficial)

    3/26/2026

    PDF

  • As Introduced

    3/12/2026

    PDF

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