This bill amends the current law regarding the "Fishing Buddy License," which offers a reduced fishing license fee to encourage existing anglers to introduce new participants to fishing. The existing law restricts eligibility for the "Fishing Buddy License" to individuals who have not purchased a fishing license since 2010. The proposed changes expand this eligibility to include individuals who have not acquired a fishing license in the previous five years, thereby allowing both returning and new anglers to benefit from the reduced fee.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the fee for the "Fishing Buddy License" will be $10.75, with an issuance fee of $1.00 for residents, and $16.50 with an issuance fee of $1.00 for nonresidents. The bill is set to take effect on the first December 1st occurring at least six months after its enactment, while also allowing the Department of Environmental Protection to take necessary administrative actions in advance of the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 23:3-1.1