LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska wildlife regulators could raise hunting and fishing permit fees to cover their expenses under a bill headed to Gov. Pete Ricketts' desk.
Lawmakers voted 45-3 on Tuesday to approve the measure. Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, a fervent opponent, remained silent despite his earlier promise to fight it after lawmakers rejected his effort to ban mountain lion hunting.
Chambers says he's saving his opposition for a debate on whether to reinstate the winner-take-all system for awarding Nebraska's electoral votes in presidential elections.
Sen. John McCollister of Omaha says he sponsored the bill because fees have not been adjusted since 2003, and the increases will help the Game and Parks Commission pay its rising operational costs.
Ricketts has five days to act on the bill.
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