Game and Parks fee increase approved

Senators passed a bill April 12 that raises fees that the state Game and Parks Commission is authorized to charge for a wide range of permits, licenses and stamps.

LB745, introduced by Omaha Sen. John McCollister, also raises the caps on user fee ranges and increases the allowed growth rate for fees the commission is authorized to charge for hunting, fishing and other activities. The fee increases will generate an estimated $2.5 million in fiscal year 2016-17 and a further $5 million in FY2017-18.

Resident fee caps for an annual hunting permit will be raised from $13 to $18 and the cap on an annual fishing permit will increase from $17.50 to $24. The bill will raise the fee cap for a deer hunting permit for residents from $29 to $39.

The minimum fee for an annual park permit for a resident motor vehicle will increase from $25 to $30.

The bill passed 45-3.