ND HB1538

Requires permits from the Game and Fish Department director to conduct fishing contests on public waters, with the director authorized to deny or revoke permits for non-compliance, inadequate facilities, or failure to submit timely reports.

Defines "fishing contest" to include high-value tag contests, fishing tournaments, and multi-event fishing leagues with cumulative fees of $50 or more, while exempting small events with fewer than 50 participants or $50 entry fees, youth fishing events, and online contests.

Establishes a $75 application fee for fishing contest permits and requires organizations to negotiate a conservation fee with fishing league or tournament representatives, with exemptions for nonprofit veterans, charitable, educational, religious, fraternal, and civic organizations.

Creates a $5 surcharge on each nonresident fishing license that deposits into a new fishing conservation fund, appropriated to the Game and Fish Department for fishery conservation, public access projects, and fish and wildlife grant programs.

Becomes effective on April 1, 2024, with House passage by 85-6 vote and Senate passage by 44-2 vote.