relative to the fish and game commission.
Sponsored By: Howard Pearl (r)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Hunters get injured waterfowl boat exception
Hunters shooting injured or crippled waterfowl from a motorized boat are exempt from the restrictions in RSA 207:7. This exception applies only to injured or crippled waterfowl, not all waterfowl hunting.
Public fish and game hearing access
The Fish and Game executive director must hold public hearings in Concord and Lancaster every two years, in odd-numbered years. These hearings seek public suggestions on fishing rules and the director’s other duties, and commission members must attend. Notices must run at least twice in two newspapers with statewide circulation; the director can arrange additional publication. Notices can also appear on newspaper websites, with links from the Fish and Game website. Interested parties can petition for additional hearings, which the director may hold during the year. People testifying about the director’s powers must have a full chance to speak, and all testimony must be recorded.
State rules set anglers’ habitat fee
Anglers age 16 or older must pay a habitat fee to fish in New Hampshire fresh waters. It applies on top of each applicable fishing or combination license. The law replaces the fixed $1 fee with an amount set through Fish and Game rules; no replacement amount is stated. Exemptions cover complimentary licenses under RSA 214:3, 214:7-a, 214:13, 214:13-b, and 214:13-c, though administrative fees may still apply. Lifetime licenses under RSA 214:9-c are exempt when bought in an earlier calendar year. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, including the changes described below.
Anglers face tighter minnow net limits
Anglers can use circular drop nets up to 48 inches across, or square nets of equal area, for bait minnows. These nets are allowed only in waters without any trout, rather than just waters without brook trout. Minnow traps remain allowed in trout waters if no longer than 18 inches, with entrance openings no wider than 1 inch. A hand-held dip net can also help land a fish attached to a hook.
Connecticut River salmon commission ends
The law repeals the statute establishing the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission, ending the commission and its legal role. The provided text names no replacement body or duties and states no direct household financial effect.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Howard Pearl
r • Senate
Cosponsors
Kevin A. Avard
Republican • Senate
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Daniel E. Innis
Republican • Senate
Timothy Lang
Republican • Senate
Tara Reardon
Democratic • Senate
David Rochefort
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 07/15/2025; Chapter 0215; Effective 09/13/2025
7/22/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 58
6/30/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
6/30/2025SenateEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2727e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/12/2025); SJ 17
6/16/2025SenateEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2727e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/12/2025 HJ 17
6/16/2025HouseSen. Pearl Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
5/15/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-1720h: MA VV 05/08/2025 HJ 14 P. 5
5/8/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-1720h: AA VV 05/08/2025 HJ 14 P. 5
5/8/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1720h 04/23/2025 (Vote 12-0; CC)
4/25/2025HouseExecutive Session: 04/23/2025 10:20 am LOB 307
4/25/2025HousePublic Hearing: 04/23/2025 10:20 am LOB 307
3/31/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Fish and Game and Marine Resources HJ 11 P. 109
3/28/2025HouseCommittee Amendment # 2025-0014s, AA, VV; 01/30/2025; SJ 4
1/30/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-0014s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 01/30/2025; SJ 4
1/30/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0014s, 01/30/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 7
1/16/2025SenateHearing: 01/15/2025, Room 103, SH, 09:00 am; SC 5
1/9/2025SenateIntroduced 01/08/2025 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 2
1/7/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Amended
6/16/2025
Enrolled
6/16/2025
Introduced
1/7/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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