This bill establishes a new apprentice guide license for individuals who wish to become hunting or fishing guides but have not yet completed the necessary written and oral board requirements to obtain a full guide license. The new section, 215:10, outlines that applicants for the apprentice guide license must pass a criminal background check and obtain certification in first-aid and CPR before submitting their application. The apprentice guide may only engage in guiding activities when accompanied by a licensed guide who is at least 18 years old. Additionally, the fees for the apprentice guide license will be determined through rules established under RSA 541-A.

The bill also stipulates that the licensed guide accompanying the apprentice will be fully responsible for any damages or violations committed by the apprentice during guiding activities. It clarifies that the apprentice guide license cannot be used as proof of prior licensing under RSA 214:23-a, I or II, and that individuals may only purchase this license once in their lifetime. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a fiscal impact of less than $10,000 in each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 318:52-e, 318:52-c
As Amended by the House: 318:52-e, 318:52-c
Version adopted by both bodies: 318:52-e, 318:52-c
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 318:52-e, 318:52-c