Neb. lawmakers back off plan to hike permit fees

Regional News

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Nebraska lawmakers Friday ditched a plan to increase many fees for outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and visiting state parks. Growing opposition to the plan among senators and some residents was one reason Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler offered the amendment to the bill (LB105). The amendment deleted references to almost all fee increases. Lawmakers then gave the bill second-round approval. Not removed from the bill were increases in penalties for hunting and fishing violations. Among the increases removed were higher price caps that would have allowed the Game and Parks Commission to increase both resident and nonresident fishing and hunting licenses by 60 percent over the next several years. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP-02-06-09 1306CST<