Definition

Legislation that must be passed and maintained by States acting through their fish and wildlife agencies to become eligible to receive benefits of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Acts. 

16 U.S.C. United States Code, 2010 Edition

Title 16 - CONSERVATION CHAPTER 5B - WILDLIFE RESTORATION

§669. Cooperation of Secretary of the Interior with States; conditions

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to cooperate with the States, through their respective State fish and game departments, in wildlife-restoration projects as hereinafter in this chapter set forth; but no money apportioned under this chapter to any State shall be expended therein until its legislature, or other State agency authorized by the State constitution to make laws governing the conservation of wildlife, shall have assented to the provision of this chapter and shall have passed laws for the conservation of wildlife which shall include a prohibition against them diversion of license fees paid by hunters for any other purpose than the administration of said State fish and game department, except that, until the final adjournment of the first regular session of the legislature held after September 2,1937, the assent of the Governor of the State shall be sufficient. The Secretary of the Interior and the State fish and game department of each State accepting the benefits of this chapter, shall agree upon the wildlife-restoration projects to be aided in such State under the terms of this chapter and all projects shall conform to the standards fixed by the Secretary of the Interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a State is not in compliance with the assent legislation requirement?

A State/Territory not having or removing this restriction is ineligible to participate in the WSFR program. Eligible States/Territories removing this restriction or using revenue from license fees for purposes other than for the fish and wildlife agency may be declared ineligible and may be "in diversion."

What is required in a State’s assent legislation?

(a) Ensures the conservation of fish and wildlife; and

(b) Requires that revenue from hunting and fishing licenses be:

• (1) Controlled only by the State fish and wildlife agency, and

• (2) Used only for administration of the State fish and wildlife agency, which includes only the functions required to manage the agency and the fish- and wildlife-related resources for which the agency has authority under State law.

 Learning Aids

 Related Pages

Diversion of Hunting and Fishing License Revenue - Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration

Resources

References 

16 U.S.C.United States Code, 2010 Edition,Title 16 - CONSERVATION CHAPTER 5B - WILDLIFE RESTORATION, Sec.669. Cooperation of Secretary of the Interior with States; conditions.

50 CFR Subpart B—State Fish and Wildlife Agency Eligibility, § 80.10 Who is eligible to receive the benefits of the Acts?