This bill amends the current law regarding the "Fishing Buddy License," which offers a reduced fee for fishing licenses when an existing angler purchases a license alongside a new angler. The primary goal of this amendment is to encourage increased participation in fishing by incentivizing current anglers to introduce new participants. The bill expands eligibility for the "Fishing Buddy License" by allowing individuals who have not purchased a fishing license in the previous five years to qualify, rather than the previous stipulation that only those who had not acquired a license since 2010 were eligible.

Additionally, the bill modifies the fee structure for both resident and nonresident fishing licenses associated with the "Fishing Buddy License." The fee for a resident's fishing buddy license and a resident's fishing license issued under this new provision will each be set at $10.75, while the fee for a nonresident's annual fishing license will be $16.50. The bill is set to take effect on the first December 1st occurring at least six months after its enactment, with provisions for the Department of Environmental Protection to undertake necessary administrative actions in advance of the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 23:3-1.1