HB 1653 Summary

• Establishes tiered per-specimen fines for violations involving threatened or endangered aquatic life under §187A-12.5, with first violation up to $5,000 (or retail market value, whichever is higher), second violation up to $10,000, and third or subsequent violation up to $15,000

• Establishes tiered per-specimen fines for all other aquatic life violations under §187A-12.5, with first violation up to $1,000, second violation up to $2,000, and third or subsequent violation up to $3,000 (or retail market value, whichever is higher)

• Adds per-specimen criminal fines across multiple aquatic resource statutes (§§187A-13, 188-70, 189-4, 190-5) ranging from $100-$1,000 per specimen depending on offense type and number of violations

• Authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to recommend community service that benefits damaged resources and to recommend probationary restrictions on entering specific geographical areas with aquatic resources, engaging in fishing activities, and possessing fishing gear or species

• Effective date: July 1, 2022