The state House has passed a bill that would increase the cost of hunting, fishing and trapping in Alaska.
Lawmakers voted 33-7 on Wednesday to pass Rep. Dave Talerico’s bill that would increase sporting license and tag fees for residents and nonresidents.
The bill would also create a $20 fish and wildlife decal with the proceeds expected to go to conservation programs and change the minimum age for a license to 18 instead of 16.
Lawmakers also approved an amendment to allow individuals with developmental disabilities to have someone else hunt or fish for them.
Reasons given by the Democrats and independent voting against the bill included frustration that the state was raising user fees but not looking at other revenue.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
