This bill establishes protections for decal fees collected for the statewide public boat access program, ensuring that these funds are not diverted for other uses. Specifically, it amends RSA 233-A:13 to replace the term "registration surcharge" with "decal fee" and updates the reference to the relevant statute from RSA 270-E:5, II(d) to RSA 270-E:5-a, II(c). The bill mandates that the decal fees, along with any other public access funds donated to the state, be deposited into a nonlapsing statewide public boat access fund. These funds are appropriated solely for the purposes of the public boat access program, with the exception of funds allocated for the Mount Sunapee state park beach boat ramp project.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 487:25 to change the terminology from "Addition to Boat Fee" to "Boat Fee Decal." It specifies the distribution of the $9.50 fee collected under the new statute reference, detailing how the funds will be allocated for lake restoration, preservation measures, and the control of exotic aquatic weeds. The bill ensures that all funds received under this section are continually appropriated to the Department of Environmental Services for these purposes. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, on August 9, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 233-A:13
As Amended by the Senate: 233-A:13, 487:25
Version adopted by both bodies: 233-A:13, 487:25
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 233-A:13, 487:25