This bill establishes a nonlapsing statewide public boat access fund, ensuring 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 reference to the relevant statute from RSA 270-E:5, II(d) to RSA 270-E:5-a, II(c). The funds collected will be appropriated to the fish and game department for 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 that the $9.50 fee collected will be managed by the director of the division of motor vehicles and subsequently deposited into a special fund for environmental services. The allocation of this fee includes provisions for lake restoration and preservation, as well as control of exotic aquatic weeds. The bill ensures that all funds received under this section are continually appropriated for their intended purposes, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining and improving the state's aquatic environments. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

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