Establishes a registration system for saltwater recreational fishing; repealer

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to establishing a registration system for saltwater recreational fishing; and to repeal part LL of chapter 59 of the laws of 2009 amending the environmental conservation law, relating to recreational marine fishing licenses, relating thereto

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation repeals new York's recreational marine fishing license, and replaces it with a free registration model that puts New York in compliance with Federal requirements.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 repeals Part LL of chapter 59 of the laws of 2009 which created the recreational marine fishing license.

Section 2 adds a new section to environmental conservation law creating the saltwater recreational fishing registry. The commissioner shall create a registry of persons who engage in saltwater recreational fishing. The registry will contain the name, address, date of birth and telephone number for each individual. Further each person registering will be given a unique identification number. This section further states that a person may register through the internet of via a telephone number as provided by the commissioner. Section further requires an individual engaging in saltwater recreational fishing to have their unique identification number on their person at all times while engaging in saltwater fishing. This section also states that there shall be no fees for registering. This section also states that those individuals under the age of sixteen and passengers on party or charter boats are exempt from having to sign up with the registry. This section further requires that the state comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act and once applicable that the Commissioner apply for exempt status.

Section 3 is the effective date.

Justification

Under provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act states are required to provide certain background data on individuals who partake in recreational saltwater fishing. Those states that do not comply with these provisions will be eventually be forced to require recreational saltwater fisherman to purchase a license from the Federal Government. States can avoid this requirement by providing very simple information to the Feds. As part of the 2009 budget a New York State recreational marine fishing license was created which forced those individuals with having to purchase a license from New York if they wished to partake in recreational saltwater fishing. The Federal Government does not require individuals be licensed, only that each state provide certain identifying information. Other states have taken the step of creating a free registry for recreational saltwater fishermen. New York should follow this model of creating a free registration model. This legislation seeks to repeal New York's licensure requirement while installing a free registration model that ensures compliance with the Federal requirements, but also is free.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become law.