Bill > S1394

This bill proposes a study to investigate the decline in recreational fishing participation in Massachusetts and its impact on the Commonwealth's revenue. Specifically, it directs the Department of Revenue, working with the Joint Committee on Revenue, to examine the decrease in recreational anglers, particularly those fishing for Striped Bass, and how this reduction has affected tax income and other revenue streams for the state. The study is also tasked with considering a previous estimate of over a billion dollars in economic activity generated by Striped Bass fishing and calculating the potential revenue loss due to declining participation. The findings and recommendations to boost the revenue-generating potential of recreational fishing are to be completed by December 15, 2013, and submitted to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.