The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 20-2.1, "Commercial Fishing Licenses," to update the types of licenses, endorsements, and associated fees for commercial fishing in Rhode Island. It authorizes the director to establish various licenses and endorsements, including a standard resident commercial fishing license, a multipurpose license, a student shellfish license, an over sixty-five shellfish license with no fee, and a multipurpose vessel license. The bill limits the number of multipurpose vessel licenses issued annually to the number of such licenses surrendered or retired in the previous year, which is a change from the director's previous authority to limit these by rule. It also sets fees for different licenses and endorsements, outlines vessel declaration requirements and fees, and establishes eligibility criteria for new licenses, giving priority to applicants with certain qualifications and preferences for family members and crew.

The bill includes provisions that regulate the issuance of new commercial fishing licenses, ensuring that they are granted to priority/preference applicants who have acquired a vessel and/or gear from a license holder who has retired a license. It also states that new licenses may be made available based on the status of the resource and the economic condition of the fishery, with a preference for Rhode Island residents. An insertion specifies that new licenses shall be issued to non-residents only if no Rhode Island resident has applied for the available license. The bill clarifies that a commercial fishing license does not create a property right for the license to be sold or transferred, and licenses must be surrendered to the state upon nonrenewal, forfeiture, or revocation. Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for temporary operator permits, the issuance of new licenses to family members, and the transfer of vessels and gear with potential restrictions. The act would take effect upon passage and aims to limit new license issuance to Rhode Island residents and to the number of licenses surrendered or retired in the previous year.

Statutes affected:
5250: 20-2.1-5