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Rhode IslandS30792026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING .

Sponsored By: Robert Britto (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Free fishing licenses for seniors, troops, tribes

Beginning March 1, 2027, Rhode Island residents who are 65 or older, on active duty, or members of a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Rhode Island pay no fee for a recreational saltwater license. Also starting then, members of a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Rhode Island can get a freshwater fishing license at no cost. You must still follow all other fishing laws and rules.

New seafood dealer licenses and fees

Seafood dealers in Rhode Island must hold a dealer license. Annual fees are: multipurpose $450; finfish $300; shellfish $300; crustacean $300. Dealers must buy only from licensed sellers and possess only legally taken species. The DEM director can inspect businesses and suspend or revoke licenses for violations. These rules are in effect now.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Robert Britto

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

  • John P. Burke

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lori Urso

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 109 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2026

FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 71 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 359

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/10/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026House

  5. Committee recommends passage in concurrence

    6/8/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)

    6/5/2026

  7. Referred to House Environment and Natural Resources

    6/5/2026House

  8. Senate read and passed

    6/4/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/04/2026)

    6/2/2026Senate

  10. Committee recommends passage

    6/2/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/8/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/08/2026)

    4/3/2026

  14. Meeting postponed (04/01/2026)

    3/27/2026

  15. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

    3/27/2026

  16. Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture

    3/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3079 - As Introduced

    3/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

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