The Association Applauds the Introduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act in both the House and the Senate
Feb 25, 2025, 4:30 PM
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the bipartisan and bicameral introduction of the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act. The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, known as VPA-HIP, is a grant program appropriated through the Farm Bill under which state fish and wildlife agencies and tribes can apply for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife dependent recreation. If enacted, the Volunteer Public Access Improvement Act will increase funding for this important program to $150 million over the life of the Farm Bill.
The Association Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Fix Excise Tax Slippage
Feb 24, 2025, 12:39 PM
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds House introduction of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act (H.R. 1494), which would close a significant gap in the collection of taxes for the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Trust Funds. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Panetta (D-CA) and Moore (R-UT) to make online marketplaces accountable for collection of the excise tax on archery and angling equipment sold directly to consumers from outside of the U.S. by online vendors.
