Bill > LD77

This bill establishes the Inland Fisheries Conservation and Enhancement Fund to support the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's efforts to conserve and enhance freshwater fisheries in Maine. The legislation increases various fishing license fees by $7, with $6 of each fee increase dedicated to the new fund and $1 going to the Boat Launch Facilities Fund. Specifically, the bill raises fees for resident and nonresident fishing licenses, combination hunting and fishing licenses, and super pack licenses. The new Inland Fisheries Conservation and Enhancement Fund will allocate 65% of its annual revenue to conservation, research, and management of native freshwater fish species, and 35% to enhancing and managing inland recreational fisheries. The fund is designed to be non-lapsing, meaning any unspent money at the end of a fiscal year will carry forward, and it can also accept additional funding from public or private sources. This approach aims to provide a stable and dedicated funding source for maintaining and improving Maine's inland fisheries resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=77&snum=132