An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Regulation of Aquaculture Leases
Sponsored By: Morgan Rielly (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New fees and deadlines for aquaculture renewals
Renewing an aquaculture lease now includes a nonrefundable application fee set by the commissioner, up to $1,500. If you file within 30 days after your lease expires, you must pay a $500 nonrefundable late fee unless waived for serious illness with a doctor’s note; after 30 days, the department does not process it. A timely renewal keeps the lease in place until the commissioner decides. If renewal is denied or you do not apply within 30 days after expiration, you have 120 days to remove all gear and products. For renewals, the department notifies riparian owners within 1,000 feet and local officials, publishes a newspaper notice, allows at least 30 days for public comment, and may require you to repay the public notice costs.
Renewal rules for scientific research leases
If you hold a limited‑purpose scientific research lease, you can renew it by filing before it expires or within 30 days after expiration with a $500 late fee, unless waived for serious illness. The department renews only if you complied with the lease, did research during the term, and renewal is in the state’s best interest. Renewal cannot push total leased acreage over 500 acres, except as allowed by law. If renewal is denied or you miss the 30‑day window, you have 120 days to remove gear and products.
Convert limited‑purpose leases to standard
If you hold a limited‑purpose commercial aquaculture lease, you can apply to convert it to a standard lease for the same area and operations. The department must convert it as soon as it gets a complete application that meets the rules. If you apply before expiration or within 30 days after expiration with a $500 late fee (waivable for serious illness), your limited‑purpose lease stays in effect until the decision. If conversion is denied or you file after 30 days, the department does not process it and you have 120 days to remove gear and products.
Immediate rollout and updated application forms
This law takes effect immediately and applies to renewal applications that were already pending and to new filings. The Department of Marine Resources must update its rules and forms to match the new timing, fees, conversion, and scientific‑lease rules. Applicants use the updated process now.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Morgan Rielly
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 389
6/20/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
6/18/2025SenateThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/18/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-769) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-769), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/17/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-769).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/17/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES in concurrence
4/17/2025SenateCommittee on Marine Resources suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/17/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-769), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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