Sen. Ralph Seekins has revived a bill that he introduced last year with some changes to it. The bill, SB170, fired up debate from both opponents and proponents. In short, this is what Seekins bill is proposing:
To make the wildlife commission more accountable to the Legislature. Require the commission to spend user fees on hunting opportunities not wildlife viewing. The bill would make it mandatory that the main priority be focused on providing game for hunters. It would also require the board to get approval from the Legislature before it could transfer more than $20,000 from one project to another. It would incrementally increase resident hunting license fees from $25 to $60 and increase non-resident fees substantially more.
A similar bill last year was defeated. Read more about it here.
Tom Remington
