Most state legislatures have adjourned for the year. Many wildlife related bills were considered, including wildlife governance reform measures.
In Washington, Wildlife for All coalition members were instrumental in getting the legislature to approve funding for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Accountability and Reform Study. The study will assess the ability of the agency to respond to climate change and biodiversity threats, examine potential changes to the department's mandate, funding model, and governance structure, and recommend improvements to achieve greater transparency and accountability.
In Maryland, the governor signed into law a bill to diversify the membership of Maryland’s Wildlife Advisory Commission to include biologists, wildlife protection advocates and outdoor recreationists, as well as hunters and farmers.
In New Mexico, a bill to reform the Game Commission to add a scientist and a non-game wildlife advocate, and to transfer authority to appoint a majority of commissioners from the governor to the legislature, passed with bipartisan support. Unfortunately it was vetoed by the governor, but will likely reappear in the future.
These and other measures signal a growing understanding by legislators of the need to reform state wildlife management as advocated by Wildlife For All.
For more from the states, check out the news page on our website.
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