Directs department of environmental conservation to establish a program to permit purchase of fishing licenses through the internet

9 Co-sponsors

• John A. DeFrancisco
• Joseph A. Griffo
• Kemp Hannon
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Thomas P. Morahan
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Stephen M. Saland
• Dale M. Volker
• George Winner

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the purchase of fishing licenses via the internet

Purpose

To allow New York State and out of state residents to purchase their first fishing licenses through an online service provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Summary of provisions

Requires the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to develop a new way to sell fishing licenses via the internet to New York State and out of state residents purchasing fishing licenses for the first time.

Existing law

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) does not permit New York State or out of state residents to purchase fishing licenses online if they have not previously purchased New York State fishing licenses through the DEC's Automated Licensing System (DECALS).

Justification

Tourists and local anglers are unable to secure first-time fishing licenses at key weekend times and off-hours. For example, tourists visiting a destination resort or campground that offers significant fishing opportunities for a weekend may not have an opportunity to purchase fishing licenses over the DEC telephone service before the operators leave. The operators are available Monday through Friday. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If prospective anglers want to purchase fishing licenses after 5:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. the following day, they must find the local municipal clerk who sells fishing licenses or travel to the nearest super store in the area. Tourists are not familiar with the area they are visiting and may have difficulty locating the local agency or nearest super store to purchase fishing licenses. or the vendors may be closed. While the current DEC online service allows consumers who have previously purchased New York State fishing licenses and are consequently in the DEC's system to purchase fishing licenses 24 hours, 7 days a week. Many first time buyers and out of state residents must endure a battling process of obtaining a fishing license that could easily be avoided if residents and nonresidents were permitted to purchase fishing licenses for the first time through the DECs web site.

The sponsor did not move the legislation in the previous session because the DEC was working to establish an online opportunity for first time fishermen. but the change has not materialized and fishing/tourist season will soon be at its peak.

Legislative history

S.6710 of 2008. Senate Rules Committee. 5.2008. No assembly sponsor.

Fiscal implications

None for the general fund. Additional revenue is anticipated for the conservation fund as more out of state anglers take the opportunity to purchase fishing licenses.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law, provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or bet ore such effective date.