The bill amends existing laws regarding hunting and fishing licenses in Rhode Island to allow members of federally recognized Indian tribes located in the state to receive recreational freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses free of charge. Specifically, it states that every member of a federally recognized Indian tribe in Rhode Island is entitled to receive a freshwater fishing license at no fee, aligning with similar provisions for residents over the age of sixty-five and those in active military service. Additionally, the bill makes a technical correction to the section governing commercial fishing dealer licenses by replacing the term "lobsters" with "marine species," thereby broadening the scope of the regulation. Sections 1 and 3 of this act will take effect on March 1, 2027, while Section 2 will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7619: 20-2-31, 20-2.1-8, 20-2.2-6