Senate passes S.258 expanding Fish and Wildlife Board appointments and requiring department training
March 26, 2024 | SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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S.258, relating to the management of fish and wildlife, was read for third reading and passed after floor questioning about board composition and training expectations.
The senator from Rutland interrogated the reporter about key provisions: section 1 would set the Fish and Wildlife Board at 16 members — 14 appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the Senate, plus two at‑large legislative seats (one tied to the Speaker of the House and one to the Committee on Committees). Applicants must apply in writing and appointing authorities must give due consideration to applicants’ history and dedication to fish and wildlife, including knowledge of biology, ecology, ethics of wildlife management and the impact of climate change.
The senator from Rutland noted section 8’s transition provisions that keep current board members in place until all new members are appointed or 90 days after the act’s effective date, whichever occurs first. The reporter confirmed that appointed members are required to “receive training from the department on wildlife management and hunting ethics,” listing topics such as the North American Model of wildlife conservation, coexistence with wildlife, conflict reduction and the impact of climate change on fish and wildlife.
Floor exchanges clarified that appointment and advice‑and‑consent processes remain intact and that there is no express penalty in the bill for failing to complete training; training is described as a department responsibility to deliver.
Action and outcome: after questioning, senators voted by voice and the ayes were recorded; the bill passed third reading on the floor.
Quote: “Then that person will have to receive training from the department on wildlife management and hunting ethics,” the senator from Rutland said while summarizing the bill’s requirements.
Next steps: S.258 passed on third reading and will proceed according to the Legislature’s calendar and any enactment procedures in the statute.
The senator from Rutland interrogated the reporter about key provisions: section 1 would set the Fish and Wildlife Board at 16 members — 14 appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the Senate, plus two at‑large legislative seats (one tied to the Speaker of the House and one to the Committee on Committees). Applicants must apply in writing and appointing authorities must give due consideration to applicants’ history and dedication to fish and wildlife, including knowledge of biology, ecology, ethics of wildlife management and the impact of climate change.
The senator from Rutland noted section 8’s transition provisions that keep current board members in place until all new members are appointed or 90 days after the act’s effective date, whichever occurs first. The reporter confirmed that appointed members are required to “receive training from the department on wildlife management and hunting ethics,” listing topics such as the North American Model of wildlife conservation, coexistence with wildlife, conflict reduction and the impact of climate change on fish and wildlife.
Floor exchanges clarified that appointment and advice‑and‑consent processes remain intact and that there is no express penalty in the bill for failing to complete training; training is described as a department responsibility to deliver.
Action and outcome: after questioning, senators voted by voice and the ayes were recorded; the bill passed third reading on the floor.
Quote: “Then that person will have to receive training from the department on wildlife management and hunting ethics,” the senator from Rutland said while summarizing the bill’s requirements.
Next steps: S.258 passed on third reading and will proceed according to the Legislature’s calendar and any enactment procedures in the statute.
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