Fish & Game fee hike clears committee, heads for amendment
Here's a news item from AP: "A Senate Committee has approved a bill to raise hunting and fishing fees, but the legislation may face some challenges getting a quick, clean trip through the House and Senate. The bill approved by the Senate Resources Committee Monday would raise the Department of Fish and Game's budget by 15 percent by increasing fees on tags and licenses. Only some licenses would be affected, including a $2 increase for deer tags. In-state anglers would pay an additional $3.75. Sen. Dean Cameron, a Republican from Rupert, says the bill is likely to be amended several times in both the Senate and House, which could stall quick passage. Committee Chairman Sen. Gary Schroeder, a Moscow Republican, says he wants a provision requiring the agency to continue studies on how wolves are affecting Idaho elk herds." The motion to send the bill, SB 1141, to the Senate's 14th Order for amendment passed on an 8-1 vote, with just Cameron dissenting.