Bill > SB159

This bill establishes a new marine habitat fee for individuals 16 years and older who engage in marine-related activities such as taking, landing, transporting, or possessing marine species in New Hampshire's marine waters. The fee will be determined by the executive director and will be in addition to existing marine license requirements. The bill creates a dedicated marine habitat account within the fish and game fund, which will receive the collected fees, as well as potential public and private grants and donations. The account's funds can only be used for specific purposes, including developing, managing, preserving, and restoring marine habitats, obtaining habitat access, acquiring easements and land to protect critical marine or diadromous fish habitats, and providing public information about marine species habitats. The executive director, with commission approval, will manage the account's expenditures, and an annual detailed fiscal report will be submitted to legislative committees, providing transparency about the account's financial activities and the public benefits derived from its disbursements. The bill will take effect 90 days after its passage, and includes provisions ensuring that land acquisitions do not unduly restrict fishing, hunting, or trapping activities.

Budget and Finance

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=956&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB159