HB 41 - Sport Fishing Services Summary

• Establishes licensing requirements for salt water sport fishing operators with $200 annual fee, salt water sport fishing guides with $100 annual fee, and combined operator/guide licenses at $200.

• Requires salt water sport fishing operators to hold a current business license and maintain general liability or marine protection insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per incident and $300,000 annually.

• Mandates salt water sport fishing guides to be U.S. or Canadian citizens or Mexican nationals/resident aliens, certified in first aid by American Red Cross or similar organization, and hold a current state sport fishing license.

• Prohibits operators from aiding violations of fishing laws by their guides or clients, and requires guides to attempt to prevent and report any violations they know about.

• Requires vessel registration with the department for any vessel providing sport fishing services, with proof of registration attached and visible on the vessel; registration provided at no cost.

• Establishes penalties of class A misdemeanor for knowing violations, with potential license revocation for guides convicted of specified violations.

• Effective date: January 1, 2017, with certain provisions taking effect immediately or January 1, 2019.