This bill establishes a nonlapsing statewide public boat access fund and ensures that decal fees collected for boat registration are dedicated solely to the statewide public boat access program. Specifically, it replaces the term "registration surcharge" with "decal fee" in RSA 233-A:13 and updates the relevant section of the law to reflect this change. The bill mandates that the $5 decal fee, along with any other public access funds donated to the state, be deposited into this fund, which is continually appropriated to the fish and game department for the exclusive purposes of the public boat access program. Additionally, it allows for a portion of the funds to be allocated for the payment of principal and interest on bonds related to the Mount Sunapee state park beach boat ramp project.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 487:25 to change the terminology from "Addition to Boat Fee" to "Boat Fee Decal." It specifies that the $9.50 fee collected under this section will be managed by the director of the division of motor vehicles and subsequently deposited into a special fund for the department of environmental services. The bill outlines how the collected fees will be allocated for lake restoration and preservation efforts, including specific amounts designated for controlling exotic aquatic weeds and administering prevention programs. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an approval date of June 10, 2025, and an effective date of 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