H.F. 749 Summary

• Requires a recreational turtle license ($25 fee) to take, possess, or transport turtles for personal use, in addition to existing angling license requirements.

• Eliminates the turtle seller's license program by prohibiting the commissioner from renewing or transferring turtle seller's licenses after the bill's effective date.

• Permits residents under age 18 to take, possess, rent, or sell up to 25 turtles greater than four inches in length for nonprofit turtle races without a license.

• Allows persons with aquatic farm or private fish hatchery licenses with turtle endorsements to sell, obtain, possess, transport, and propagate turtles and turtle eggs without other specified licenses.

• Repeals previous statutes and administrative rules governing turtle seller's licenses, apprentice licenses, recreational turtle licenses, and related commercial turtle operations and equipment specifications.