Video & Transcript : 'charter fishing' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- somebody you all know, Chuck Bonham, who just finished 15 years as the longest-serving director of Fish
- He managed to shepherd... ...of Fish and Wildlife in California history.
- He has had an amazing career, and there are now more scientists in the Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Director's outstanding leadership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- fleet can endure while protecting the fish and wildlife that make these waters so extraordinary.
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer marking World Water Day, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then suspended Senate Rule 55 to allow guests on the floor. Several special introductions followed, including California Wildlife Photo of the Year winner Alice Cahill, outgoing Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegría, and a Cal Poly Pomona student delegation participating in CHESS/CSU Lobby Day. Members praised Bonham’s long service and the students’ advocacy on higher education issues. The Assembly’s passage of AB 2156 was announced, and the Senate approved the March 16–19 journals as corrected.
The chamber then took up SCR 132, designating March 22, 2026 as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized robotics and STEAM education as hands-on preparation for careers in engineering, AI, manufacturing, and other technical fields, and highlighted partnerships with industry and programs such as FIRST Robotics. The resolution passed on a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced robotics students and industry representatives, including Ethan Wynn of Poway High School and leaders from Garner Holt Productions, to recognize their work in STEAM education and robotics.
The Senate next considered five gubernatorial appointments, all brought by Senator Grove: Paul Toopee to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Each nominee was described as experienced in the relevant field and each was confirmed unanimously, 34-0. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow the Committee on Governmental Organization to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice.
In closing, Senator Blakespear requested adjournment in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and civic leader remembered for decades of public service, environmental stewardship, and community planning. The Senate agreed to memorialize her, then announced that members would proceed to the Assembly chambers for the joint convention and State of the Judiciary address, with the next floor session scheduled for March 26, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- There's pelicans everywhere, and they're eating fish.
- They're eating more fish than fishermen are fishing. And they're eating fish.
- They're eating more fish than fishermen are fishing.
- fish in Henry's Lake or the Blackfoot Reservoir or wherever, and the Fish and Game are trying to put
- more fish in, and they're watching the pelicans eat them.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought Nov 10th, 2025
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought
Transcript Highlights:
- First, in terms of fish and ecosystem impacts.
- In these years of low flows, we see fish and other wildlife impacted by not just the low flow, but the
- Fish and Wildlife, and the State Conservation Commission. Next slide, please.
- First, in terms of fish and ecosystem impacts.
- And with Fish and Wildlife, that was around 200K.
Summary:
The committee heard first from Deputy State Climatologist Karen Bumbacco, who reviewed the weather and snowpack conditions that contributed to Washington’s 2025 drought. She said the state had a very warm and dry water year, with April through September ranking among the warmest and driest periods on record, and that three straight years of below-normal snowpack and precipitation had compounded drought impacts, especially in the Yakima Basin. She also explained that a weak La Niña could bring a wetter-than-normal winter, though temperature forecasts were less certain, and noted that long-term climate projections point to continued snowpack decline and earlier runoff timing.
Department of Ecology staff Rea Burns and Caroline Melor then described the state’s drought declaration process and response. They said Washington’s statutory drought threshold is less than 75% of normal water supply plus a hardship finding, and that Ecology extended the Yakima drought declaration in April and expanded it statewide in June. They discussed reliance on federal monitoring data and staffing at NRCS, USGS, Reclamation, and NOAA, and said federal staffing and funding instability has created concerns for snowpack and water data. They also reviewed drought response funding, noting that grants have supported projects in the Yakima and Dungeness basins and that the drought emergency account still has a balance available for current needs.
Burns gave a detailed update on the Yakima Basin, saying it experienced unprecedented conditions this year, including nearly empty reservoirs, curtailment orders sent to about 1,500 water users, and the first time even the most senior 1855 surface water rights were turned off. She said widespread compliance occurred, though the process exposed areas for improvement, especially coordination with federal partners. Committee members asked about the long-term basis for climate projections, the 75% drought threshold, federal impacts, drought insurance, reservoir storage, and whether the state should consider more drought funding or new storage projects. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Agencies like Fish and Wildlife need better tools, planning, and long-term capacity.
- With the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the public.
- California's commercial fishing fleet is the lifeblood of rural coastal communities.
- And it establishes clear rules for vessel transit through closed crab fishing areas.
- Federal agencies, scientists, and the public on steelhead fishing in California.
Summary:
The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed.
SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support.
SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained.
SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- week about possibilities of having some kind of designated fee structure to support the work of the Fish
- game of uh of proposals um that fishing game of uh of proposals um that might<00:08:50.120><c> relate
- the work of the fishing game department and<00:09:11.959><c> had</c><00:09:12.120><c> some</c><00:09
- </c><00:10:31.880><c> G</c> um considered needs of the fishing G um considered needs of the fishing G
- </c> a saltwater fishing a saltwater fishing license<00:43:15.720><c> no</c><00:43:16.720><c> he</c><
Committee:
Senate Finance
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh it talks about it and I want to say thank you to the Department of Fish and Wildlife who has come
- </c> say thank you to the Department of Fish say thank you to the Department of Fish and<00:09:12.160
- I mean, >> Department of Fish and Wildlife. >> Yes, sir. They can.
- And again, Department of Fish and Wildlife will dictate that time frame. >> Sometimes I think you’re
- And again, Department of Fish and Wildlife will dictate that time frame. >> Typically there, you know
Committee:
House Agriculture
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 11th, 2025
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Similarly, moving over to the fish side, many of you heard of spinning fish that was first reported to
- The spinning fish term was brought because the fish seemed confused.
- The spinning fish term was brought because the fish seemed confused.
- We didn't see mass die-offs or mass fish kills from this. They seemed isolated.
- As fish moved into cleaner waters, they seemed to have recovered from the disease.
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 200, which would implement recommendations from DEP’s 2020 Recycling Goal Final Report by creating a technical assistance group to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026. The bill focuses on recycling education and outreach, evaluating the former recycling grant program, and developing markets for recyclable materials. Supporters from the waste and recycling industry and counties said the bill would finally create a real plan to help Florida move toward its recycling goals. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, which would promote green, gray, and hybrid infrastructure, direct USF’s Flood Hub to develop guidelines, require DEP rulemaking on erosion and mangrove protection, and study whether nature-based flood reduction could help lower insurance costs. Supporters appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7000 as a committee bill to continue a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species.
Members next took up SB 56 on weather modification activities. The bill would prohibit the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere to affect weather or sunlight, define geoengineering, increase penalties through an amendment, and create a DEP reporting hotline with possible referral to DOH or emergency management. The sponsor and several supporters argued the bill was needed to address public concerns and lack of oversight, while several senators questioned the evidence, the role of state agencies, and whether the bill was ready for passage. Despite opposition from some members, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 62 creating a resilient building tax credit program, after amending it to shift agency references from DEP to DBPR and add university advisory members, and CS for SB 80 to clarify state park management as conservation-based, require public notice and advisory input for plan changes, and improve reporting on park repairs; both bills were reported favorably after testimony from supporters and conservation groups who sought tighter language to prevent incompatible uses.
Finally, the committee received presentations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on gopher tortoise relocation, wildlife disease surveillance, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. FWC described tortoise relocation and recipient-site programs, ongoing monitoring of wildlife diseases such as chronic wasting disease and feline leukomyelopathy, and efforts to address fish die-offs and update sanctuary agreements amid state-federal jurisdiction issues. No votes were taken on the presentations.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Administration Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Solidifying our historical rights to hunt and fish and trap is critical, in my opinion.
- When I was young, my father took us fishing, trapping, and fishing. My family tradition.
- When I was young, my father took us fishing, trapping, and hunting all the time.
- He taught my twin brother and me how to fish when we were in diapers.
- and fishing heritage.
Bills:
SB231
Committee:
House Administration
Keywords:
school social workers, salary supplement, LCSW, mental health, education funding, Delaware Code, certification, professional standards
Summary:
The House Administration Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 231, which would extend the existing 6% salary supplement for school-based mental health professionals with advanced credentials to school social workers who hold licensed clinical social worker credentials and have passed the national exam. The bill sponsor and multiple witnesses described school social workers as essential to student mental health, crisis response, attendance, and family support, and argued the measure corrects an oversight and inequity in the current salary supplement structure. Public testimony was uniformly supportive, and the committee voted to release the bill.
The committee then heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 212, a constitutional amendment to protect the rights to hunt, fish, and trap. Supporters, including sportsmen’s groups and individual residents, said the amendment would preserve longstanding traditions, support wildlife management, and guard against future threats to hunting and trapping. An opposing witness argued there was no current threat in Delaware and said the Constitution should not be used to protect trapping or elevate hunting and trapping over other wildlife management approaches. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to release the substitute bill.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Response Act, which would create a 25-foot buffer around first responders at emergency scenes after warning, with misdemeanor penalties for knowingly entering or remaining in the zone to interfere with duties. Supporters said the bill would protect police, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics from interference, while opponents from the ACLU and the Office of Defense Services raised concerns about vague terms, potential First Amendment impacts, enforcement clarity, and jurisdictional issues. Committee members also questioned how the buffer would be marked and enforced. The sponsor and staff said they would continue working on the language, and the committee voted to release the bill.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 14, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- MEMBERS, THIS MORNING WE HAVE TWO INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLORIDA FISH AND
- AND ROTARY DISH FISH AND RODEO THAT SUPPORTS THE EVENT.
- IT'S A NEW SPORT TO BOW FISHING.
- FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.
- FISH AND WILDLIFE IN 2020.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Native fish populations continue to decline.
- Our commercial salmon fishing has been shut down for the last three years.
- Recreational fishing has been virtually shut down for the last three years.
- That has caused catastrophic economic impacts in the fishing industry.
- We see these bills as a major threat to the survival of the salmon fishing industry.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 9th, 2026
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Clint Hardin; Danielle Henderson, a daughter of Clint's; Jack Henderson, son-in-law; Donnie Fish
- Speaker, Natalie participates in shooting sports, fishing sports, welding, sewing, photography, canning
- She loves shooting sports, fishing sports, and entomology. Mr.
- So within a charter school, in the out-of-school time, there is now a 4-H urban club called the Kai..
Bills:
HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and spent much of the session on memorials and recognitions. Members honored former Senator Clint Hardin with a certificate and extended condolences, with several representatives sharing personal remembrances of his work on autism coverage, second chances for formerly incarcerated people, rural issues, and bipartisan dealmaking. The chamber also recognized Council of Governments Day, 4-H Day, NMSU Day, scouting groups, and several student and community guests, including youth from 4-H, NMSU CAMP, folklórico, and the La Cueva boys soccer team.
The House received messages from the governor and Senate, including authorization for House Bill 320, the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, and Senate passage of several bills. Committee reports were adopted on a long list of measures, including House Bills 145, 158, 180, 49, 164, 256, 287, 60, 120, 166, 306, 124, 314, 185, 253, 195, 259, 295, 296, 338, and others, along with several joint resolutions and memorials. The chamber also ordered certain bills germane and referred them to committees, and enrolled and engrossed multiple memorials.
On third reading, House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, passed 65-0. The House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70, updating the Public Regulation Commission and hearing officer structure, passed 66-0 after brief debate. House Bill 247, which modernizes capital outlay procedures and limits reauthorizations, was then taken up; the sponsor explained it would send unspent general fund capital outlay money to a Capital Development and Reserve Fund and tribal project balances to the tribal infrastructure fund. An amendment was offered to redirect the reserve fund money to the state road fund, and debate began, with members discussing road conditions and the purpose of the reserve fund.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (7-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We were chartered in 1873. The idea was established in 1865.
- hopefully we can immortalize your words because I think you hit the nail on the head of what I was fishing
- think it's important for this conversation for us to understand that at a deeper level. what I was fishing
- Um, one last what I was fishing for.
Keywords:
This meeting is taking place on location at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Building Room 238 using on site equipment., 958, all
Summary:
The interim Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met at Kentucky State University and heard a presentation from President Kofi Aapo and Vice President Michael Dorsy on the university’s role as an HBCU and its current priorities. They emphasized Kentucky State’s impact on Black student outcomes nationally, its focus on workforce development, civic leadership, innovation, and economic mobility, and its efforts to grow enrollment, expand dual-credit partnerships, and launch a prison education program. They also described House Bill 250’s role in prompting program review and the creation or expansion of market-aligned offerings, including manufacturing engineering, agricultural engineering, biological and agricultural engineering, social work, criminal justice, and expanded online programs through “Thoroughbred Global.”
A major topic was Kentucky State’s move toward STEM and applied programs. President Aapo said the university is diversifying beyond liberal arts to meet workforce demand and cited plans for a PhD in agroecology, which he said would help farmers adapt to climate conditions and would be federally funded. He also discussed the nursing program as the fastest-growing on campus, partnerships with health systems that pay tuition and guarantee jobs, and the need for a new nursing facility. He said the current nursing space is inadequate and that a new building could double or triple enrollment in the program. He also described a mobile health initiative intended to bring preventive care and health education to underserved areas of the state.
Members asked questions about the nursing building, STEM strategy, teacher preparation, dual credit, prison education, and student readiness. Senator Bledsoe asked about the shift toward STEM, and Aapo said the strategy is based on student demand and data from House Bill 250. Senator Berg requested a list of dual-credit partners and encouraged long-term tracking of prison education participants to study outcomes such as recidivism; Aapo said the university has not yet begun that research but intends to. Senator Tidner asked about remedial needs, and Aapo said KSU found more than 100 students with zero GPAs when he arrived and is using co-requisite support and tutoring to address English and math deficiencies. Representative Brown and others highlighted the historical and ongoing value of HBCUs, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 02/10/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- He came fishing with us, a simple fishing trip, something that we take for granted every day.
- He came fishing with us, a simple fishing trip, something that we take for granted every day.
- He came fishing with us, a simple fishing trip, something that we take for granted every day.
- He came fishing with us, a simple fishing trip, something that we take for granted every day.
- He came fishing with us, a simple fishing trip, something that we take for granted every day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I know we have still some forthcoming rule from Fish and Game about...
- We still have some forthcoming rule from Fish and Game about said cameras.
- We’ve been working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
- watersheds when we need to be considering anadromous fish issues.
- And I believe also that Fish and Game has an elk project up in the northern part of the state.
Committee:
House Resources and Conservation
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And we'll talk about one in the next few slides for fish as well.
- Similarly, moving over to the fish side, many of you heard of spending fish that was first reported to
- us back in 2023, the spinning fish terms brought because of the fish seemed confused.
- Smash fish kills from this. They seemed isolated as fish moved into cleaner waters.
- The protocol for our co-operatives fish and cooperate.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm able to get my 24-foot fishing boat in the water pretty much year-round.
- We don't see this as doing much of anything but enhancing the fish situation, and... ...the fish situation
- who can access the water when it's down, do fish year-round on Ponderay.
- We've worked with them to help with fish passage at the Albany Dam.
- Fishing right at the spot is pretty good. It's right near where the ATV went in last week.
Summary:
The committee began by recognizing page Marley Johnson, who said she plans to finish school, attend flight school, and possibly pursue an aviation degree. Members asked about her experience in the Senate, and she said it changed her perspective by showing that state politics can be collaborative and focused on doing what is best for Idaho. The committee presented her with a letter of recommendation for flight school and an American 250 flag flown over the Capitol.
The committee then considered several gubernatorial appointments and Idaho Department of Lands rules. It voted to send David Bobbitt’s reappointment to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and heard testimony from James Keating for reappointment to the Idaho Parks and Recreation Board; no vote was taken on his appointment at that time. The committee also heard a presentation from the Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission on a study claiming the Corps of Engineers’ lake-level management costs the North Idaho economy about $40 million annually, with testimony focused on extending the full recreational season. Members asked about effects on recreation, fish habitat, and the geographic reach of the economic impact.
Three pending rules from the Department of Lands were reviewed and approved. One rule on mine land reclamation was described as a zero-based regulation update that mainly reduced word count and reorganized application requirements, with no major substantive changes. A fee rule for navigable waterways and encroachments under the Lake Protection Act was also approved; it reduced word count, added definitions, and clarified encroachment-related provisions, with no fee increases. A third rule on easements on state-owned lands was approved as well; it deleted nominal application and assignment fees, adjusted compensation language, expanded emergency work definitions, and extended temporary permits from 10 to 20 years. Committee votes on all three rules were unanimous.
Finally, Idaho Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton gave an agency update on parks operations, deferred maintenance, new campgrounds and docks, trail management, reservation pricing, and budget impacts. She said outdoor recreation remains a major economic driver, that the department has used appropriated funds to add capacity and improve facilities statewide, and that some service reductions may occur because of budget cuts. In response to a question, she said snowmobile registration revenue is down because of limited snow, which could affect county-run snowmobile programs.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm able to get my 24-foot fishing boat in the water pretty much year-round.
- We don't see this as doing much of anything but enhancing the fish situation, and... ...the fish situation
- who can access the water when it's down, do fish year-round on Pend Oreille.
- We've worked with them to help with fish passage at the Albany Dam.
- Fishing right at the spot is pretty good. It's right near where the ATV went in last week.
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair and members, Senate Bill 1280 prohibits the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting
- SB 1280 would prohibit the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting Mexican gray wolf pups
- The Game and Fish, as of December 25, says there's a minimum of 319 Mexican gray wolves.
- The Game and Fish, as of December 25, says there's a minimum of 319 Mexican gray wolves.
- It is my understanding that in Game and Fish, I'm here to agree with what I'm about to say, but that
Committee:
House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Keywords:
foreign ownership, land sales, review commission, national security, property rights, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, Mexican gray wolf, Mexican wolf, Mexican gray wolf puppies, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Arizona Game and Fish Department, endangered species, wolf reintroduction, wolf translocation, cross-fostering, wildlife management
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- biologist, land managers, partners and volunteers undertake these actions. 10 sure we're enhancing fish
- People can learn and practice outdoor skills and they can actively enjoy fish and wildlife resources
- About 2 weeks ago. >> We went over with some staff from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- And so today have asked the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to come and give us an
- I know that was the one to 2 Fish Creek that been there for years.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:30:43.320><c> game</c> positions moving over from fishing game positions moving over from fishing
- three from fishing game two from dncr three from fishing game two from dncr correct<00:33:04.639><c>
- </c> dncr and four positions from fishing dncr and four positions from fishing game<00:34:20.320><c>
- fish ecosystems and things like that.
- </c><01:20:44.880><c> game</c> those in lie of working for fishing game those in lie of working for fishing
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from the Department of Environmental Services on proposed changes in House Bill 2 and related technical changes in House Bill 1 tied to the governor’s permitting realignment initiative. The proposal would move environmental review staff from Fish and Game and DNCR to DES to create a more centralized “one-stop shop” for applicants needing DES permits, especially for wildlife and natural heritage reviews. DES said the goal is to speed permitting, support a 60-day review clock, and improve coordination among agencies while keeping the substantive review work in place.
Members asked about staffing impacts, the scope of the transferred duties, and whether the change would create redundancy or weaken the other agencies. DES said most of the affected staff work primarily on these reviews, though Fish and Game staff also handle other state and federal reviews, which is why the proposal was adjusted to keep one of the four Fish and Game positions there and move three to DES, along with two positions from DNCR. DES also described a new supervisory position in HB 2 to manage the transferred staff within its land resources bureau. Officials said the reviews would still be done by specialists, but under DES supervision, and that the agencies would continue to coordinate recommendations on species impacts and mitigation.
The committee also discussed fee increases intended to offset costs, including a 50% increase in wetlands fees and a 100% increase in alteration-of-terrain fees, with the department saying the changes would cover the new positions. Members raised concerns about impacts on private homeowners, possible incentives to work without permits, and whether fines should be used more as a revenue source or for mitigation. DES said wetlands permits are roughly split between homeowner-related and commercial projects, that permit-by-notification already creates a two-tier structure for smaller projects, and that enforcement relies partly on public complaints and online permitting systems. The department also said most fines currently go to the general fund and vary widely year to year, with about $75,000 budgeted, and that the proposal would also create permit-by-notification authority for alteration-of-terrain projects between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet, mirroring language in Senate Bill 110. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.