SB 159 Summary

• Establishes three annual licensing categories for salt water sport fishing services: operator license ($400), guide license ($200), and combined operator-guide license ($400).

• Salt water sport fishing operators must hold a current business license, provide proof of liability insurance of at least $100,000 per incident and $300,000 annually, and may only employ licensed guides to directly provide guide services.

• Salt water sport fishing guides must be U.S./Canadian/Mexican citizens or resident aliens, hold current first aid certification and sport fishing license, and must be employed by a licensed operator.

• Requires licensed operators and guides to comply with reporting requirements on vessel information, fishing effort, catch, harvest data, and locations, with penalties ranging from violations to class B misdemeanors for false reporting.

• Effective January 1, 2021.