An act relating to enforcement of fish and wildlife violations
This bill updates Vermont's fish and wildlife enforcement laws by adjusting penalties, clarifying jurisdiction, and introducing new enforcement options. It directly affects hunters, anglers, trappers, and anyone who violates state wildlife regulations. The key changes include increasing fines for big game violations from $1,000 to $2,000 and raising imprisonment limits from 60 to 180 days for repeat offenders, while designating the Superior Court's Criminal Division as the exclusive venue for most wildlife cases. The bill also defines what counts as a minor violation, gives wardens discretion to treat certain offenses as minor based on factors like first-time status and cooperation, and allows the Commissioner to accept written agreements to stop violations instead of pursuing court cases. Finally, it repeals two older sections related to administrative penalties and hearing procedures, with all changes taking effect on July 1, 2024.
Bill status
introduced
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 3, 2024
Last action Jan 3, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 3, 2024
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment and Energy
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Patrick Brennan
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about H 587
Scope: VT
Hi! I can help you understand H 587. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline