This bill prohibits the importation and sale of live bait fish from out of state, effectively repealing and reenacting RSA 214:34-d to state that "No live fish of any description shall be brought into this state for use as bait." This prohibition applies to all species of live fish. Additionally, the bill amends RSA 214:35 by deleting the phrase "live fish or" from the existing language, thereby clarifying that the executive director has the authority to adopt and enforce rules related to bait dealers dealing in aquatic invertebrates, while maintaining specific bag and possession limits for retailers and wholesalers.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact on state revenue and expenditures, particularly concerning the Fish and Game Department. The department has indicated that the prohibition may negatively affect the fishing experience for licensed anglers, potentially impacting revenue from license sales. Furthermore, the bill may influence the judicial and correctional systems due to the introduction of penalties for violations, which could affect costs related to prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole at various government levels.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 214:35