WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 132

An act relating to the taking of furbearers

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Bos-Lun and 6 co-sponsors

The bill sets rules for taking furbearers, including seasons, methods, licensing, reporting, and enforcement to balance wildlife management with animal welfare.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 132

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Vermont
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Bill: H.132
  • Title: An act relating to the taking of furbearers
  • Sponsor(s): Rep. Larry Satcowitz; additional co-sponsors include Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun, Rep. Troy Headrick, Rep. Kate Logan, Rep. Phil Pouech, Rep. Amy Sheldon, Rep. Dara Torre
  • Current Status (as of provided information): Read first time and referred to the House Committee on Environment (2/4/2025)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to address the taking (hunting/trapping) of furbearers in Vermont. While the specific text of provisions is not provided in the summary, the presence of stakeholders from wildlife agencies, wildlife organizations, and animal welfare/advocacy groups indicates a policy discussion around:
    • Management of furbearer populations
    • Animal welfare considerations in trapping/hunting methods
    • Potential regulatory adjustments to trapping seasons, methods, licensing, reporting, or prohibitions/closures

Key provisions and changes (subject to the bill’s text)

Note: The exact statutory changes are not listed in the provided material. Based on typical scope for “taking of furbearers” bills and the involved stakeholders, expected areas of potential provisions include:

  • Definition and scope: Clarify which species are considered furbearers and under what circumstances they may be taken.
  • Regulated methods: Requirements or restrictions on trapping/hunting techniques (e.g., trap types, gear restrictions, humane handling).
  • Seasonal and geographic parameters: Opening/closing dates for furbearer trapping seasons; geographic area designations (e.g., wildlife management units) and harvest quotas or limits.
  • Licensing and reporting: Licensing requirements, bag limits, tagging, harvest reporting, and recordkeeping for compliance.
  • Animal welfare considerations: Standards intended to reduce suffering, handling protocols, and penalties for inhumane treatment.
  • Conservation and population management: Provisions tied to population health, sustainable harvest limits, and adaptive management mechanisms if populations are stressed.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Roles of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and warden service in enforcement; penalties for violations.
  • Review and sunset provisions: Timelines for review of the measures and potential sunset clauses or required reauthorization.

Who would be affected

  • Wildlife and habitat agencies: Department of Fish and Wildlife (DWF/Wildlife Division, Warden Service) would implement, enforce, and monitor the regulations.
  • Hunters and trappers: Individuals who trap or hunt furbearers would be directly subject to any new seasons, gear restrictions, license requirements, and reporting obligations.
  • Wildlife advocacy and interest groups: Organizations involved in wildlife protection, animal welfare, and humane treatment (e.g., Animal Wellness Action, Center for a Humane Economy, Project Coyote) may influence policy direction and participate in public hearings or advocacy.
  • General public and communities: Indirectly affected through wildlife management outcomes, recreational opportunities, and potential changes in local wildlife interactions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: H.132 was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Environment on February 4, 2025.
  • Committee activity: Scheduled and ongoing discussions/work sessions with a proposed list of stakeholders and experts, as evidenced by the February 19 and February 26 2025 committee meetings, featuring input from:
    • Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife leadership and staff
    • Representatives of wildlife advocacy and humane organizations
    • Hunters, sportsmen’s clubs, and wildlife conservation coalitions
    • Legislative counsel and public interest advocates
  • Next steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would pass through additional committee phases (e.g., committee vote, potential amendments), receive floor consideration in the House, then move to the Senate for a parallel process, and potentially be sent to the governor for signature or veto. Timelines depend on the legislative calendar and committee decisions.

Notable context from stakeholders

  • The bill’s discussion involves a broad coalition, including wildlife management professionals (DWF), hunting/trapping organizations, and animal welfare/advocacy groups, indicating a balancing of recreational/traditional uses with animal welfare and conservation concerns.
  • Public safety and enforcement are likely considerations given the involvement of the Warden Service and Deputy Chief Counsel.

Summary for readers

H.132 is a Vermont bill under consideration in the 2025-2026 session that focuses on the taking of furbearers. While the precise text isn’t provided here, the bill is expected to address how furbearers may be taken, including rules around seasons, methods, licensing, reporting, and enforcement, with input from a wide range of stakeholders. The bill would affect licensed trappers and hunters, wildlife management practices, and potentially animal welfare standards, and would follow standard legislative steps through committee review before possible floor action and enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.