Summary of Bill S 2193

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 2193
• Title: Relates to the definition of "immediate family" for the transfer of certain commercial fishing licenses
• Status: PRINT NUMBER 2193A
• Introduced: January 15, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of Bill S 2193 is to clarify and expand the definition of "immediate family" in the context of transferring commercial fishing licenses. This change is intended to facilitate the transfer of these licenses within families, thereby supporting family-owned fishing businesses and ensuring continuity in the commercial fishing industry.

Key Provisions

• Definition Expansion: The bill proposes to broaden the definition of "immediate family" to include additional relatives who may not currently qualify under existing regulations. This could potentially include extended family members such as cousins, aunts, and uncles, depending on the final language of the bill.
• Transfer Process: The bill outlines a streamlined process for the transfer of licenses among family members, making it easier for families to pass down their fishing licenses without facing bureaucratic hurdles.

Impact

• Commercial Fishing License Holders: The bill directly affects individuals and families who hold commercial fishing licenses, allowing for more flexible transfer options.
• Fishing Industry: By facilitating family transfers of licenses, the bill aims to strengthen the commercial fishing sector, particularly for small, family-run operations that are integral to local economies.
• Regulatory Bodies: State environmental conservation agencies will need to adapt their processes to accommodate the new definitions and transfer procedures outlined in the bill.

Legislative Actions

• January 15, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
• June 2, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Environmental Conservation Committee, and the updated version was printed as 2193A.

Related Bills

This bill is related to several prior-session bills that may have addressed similar issues:
- S 4390
- S 6419
- S 4818
- S 3725
- S 5307
- S 2110
- A 6057 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 2193 seeks to modernize the definition of "immediate family" for the purpose of transferring commercial fishing licenses, thereby supporting family businesses in the fishing industry. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be important to monitor any amendments and the final language to understand its full implications for stakeholders in the commercial fishing sector.