Committee recommends ITL on bill to make Fish and Game advisory-only; 14-1

The House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee voted 14-1 to recommend an Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 202, a proposal that would have changed the Fish and Game Commission from a voting governing body to an advisory-only panel.

Committee members and witnesses emphasized the commission's statutory duties and the potential consequences of removing binding authority from the elected or appointed commissioners who represent 11 districts. Commissioner Stoll read the commission's duties "right from statute," and lawmakers said the commission is responsible for representing hunters, anglers and trappers across the state.

Representative Harvey, who opposed the bill, told the committee that the measure would not reduce the commissioners' statutory duties and that the commission and director currently work together. "This bill does not change the way the commissioners consult, advise, and work together," Harvey said, adding that the proposal primarily sought to change how decisions are made. Harvey and other members said the commission's closer connection to local constituents is a reason to preserve voting authority.

Several members warned of political and practical consequences if the bill passed. Representative Durkin said the commission's chair had told him he would resign if the bill passed, and Durkin warned there could be additional resignations. Other members compared the commission to a board of directors accountable to stakeholders and said reducing its authority in the first year with a new director from another state would be unwise.

The committee heard that many of the commissioners and the director currently collaborate and that statutes continue to impose duties on the commission even if internal governance structures change. Representative Ouellette moved the ITL recommendation; Representative Durkin seconded. On the roll call, the clerk recorded 14 yeses and one no; Representative Harvey registered the lone no vote. The clerk said the result would normally be handled by consent and asked whether anyone wanted it pulled to the floor; committee members agreed to proceed with consent and processing of reports due the following day.

Ending: With the ITL recommendation adopted (14-1), HB 202 will be reported from committee against passage; committee members asked that majority and minority reports be prepared for the calendar.