An act relating to reimbursing the Department of Fish and Wildlife for revenue lost due to issuance of free licenses

This bill requires the state to reimburse the Department of Fish and Wildlife for revenue lost when free hunting, fishing, trapping, combination, or lifetime licenses are issued after July 1, 2025. It directly affects the state budget (which must pay the reimbursement) and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (which receives the funds). The key mechanism mandates the Department to track lost revenue annually and submit an accounting to the Department of Finance and Management by January 15 each year; the Finance Department must then pay the amount from the General Fund into the Fish and Wildlife Fund within 60 days. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring financial accountability if the legislature authorizes free licenses.