Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

SB 793
                       Department of Legislative Services
                               Maryland General Assembly
                                     2020 Session
                            FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
                                  Third Reader
Senate Bill 793               (Senator Hershey)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs                Environment and Transportation
    Natural Resources - Limited Fishing Guide License - Propulsion of Boats and
                                      Vessels
This bill alters the manner in which a boat or vessel being guided by a limited fishing guide
may be propelled. The bill requires that the boat or vessel be propelled by human power,
instead of specifically by oars and paddles. The bill takes effect July 1, 2020.
                                     Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The bill does not directly affect State finances.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: Potential meaningful.
                                          Analysis
Current Law: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may issue a limited fishing
guide license that is applicable in all waters of the State to allow a license holder to guide:
      anglers in up to three boats or vessels that (1) have one or two occupants and (2) are
       propelled by oars or paddles; or
      up to 10 anglers fishing from shore or on foot in the water (or any number of anglers
       who are participating in an educational or recreational program sponsored by a
       State, local, or municipal government and who are fishing from shore or on foot in
       the water).
A person may not accept any consideration for services as a limited fishing guide unless
the person and all persons being guided possess, as applicable, an angler’s (nontidal)
license or a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing (tidal) license.
The fee for a limited fishing guide license is $50 for a resident and $100 for a nonresident.
Chapters 259 and 260 of 2019 allow for DNR to issue a special charter boat license (that
was previously only valid for all individuals on a charter boat operated by a licensed fishing
guide in the tidal waters of the State) that is valid for all individuals on a vessel under the
guidance of a fishing guide with a limited fishing guide license, in tidal waters of the State.
The special charter boat license serves as an authorization in place of individuals having to
obtain a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license.
Small Business Effect: DNR indicates that the limited fishing guide license was originally
intended to be used by guides guiding clients out of kayaks or canoes, but kayak companies
have since introduced additional drive systems that are moved by human power (typically
by pedals) but not with an oar or a paddle. The bill may have a meaningful small business
effect on limited fishing guides who would like to take advantage of the use of those types
of vessels.
                                 Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 1131 (Delegates Mautz and Adams) - Environment and
Transportation.
Information Source(s): Department of Natural Resources; Department of Legislative
Services
Fiscal Note History:       First Reader - February 21, 2020
af/lgc                     Third Reader - March 12, 2020
Analysis by: Scott D. Kennedy                            Direct Inquiries to:
                                                         (410) 946-5510
                                                         (301) 970-5510
SB 793/ Page 2
Statutes affected: 
Text - First - Natural Resources - Limited Fishing Guide License - Propulsion of Boats and Vessels: 4-210 Natural Resources
Text - Third - Natural Resources - Limited Fishing Guide License - Propulsion of Boats and Vessels: 4-210 Natural Resources