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HB 6157

AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 5 co-sponsors

Authorizes taking the invasive green crab in RI and creates a $10 seasonal commercial license for RI residents to harvest/sell it, with Director-set regulations.

06/24/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 6157

Bill Summary — HB 6157 (Sub A)

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE — LICENSING
Status: Signed by Governor (06/24/2025). Effective date: January 1, 2026.

Purpose

This act authorizes the taking of the invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Rhode Island waters and establishes a low‑cost commercial licensing mechanism to facilitate and regulate harvest of the species.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes the taking of the aquatic invasive species commonly known as the green crab (Carcinus maenas). (Sec. 20‑2‑46(a))
  • Creates a commercial green crab license for Rhode Island residents, available for a season fee of $10.00. (Sec. 20‑2‑46(b))
  • Grants the Director authority to promulgate regulations governing the commercial green crab license. Regulations could address license conditions, reporting, gear, seasons, and related matters (specific regulatory details are not specified in the statute and will be set by the Director). (Sec. 20‑2‑46(c))

Who is affected

  • Recreational harvesters: The law expressly permits any person to take green crabs (subject to any future regulations the Director may issue).
  • Rhode Island resident fishers seeking to sell or commercially harvest green crabs: eligible to obtain the $10 seasonal commercial license.
  • State regulatory agency and Director (likely Department of Environmental Management or equivalent): empowered to adopt implementing regulations and administer the licensing program.
  • Commercial shellfish processors, seafood markets, and coastal businesses: may see new supply opportunities and economic activity associated with increased green crab harvest.

Timeline and legislative actions

  • Introduced in Rhode Island House: April 2, 2025; referred to House Environment and Natural Resources.
  • Substitute A (LC002170/SUB A) considered and reported; House passage June 16, 2025.
  • Senate concurrence June 18, 2025; transmitted to Governor June 18, 2025.
  • Signed by Governor June 24, 2025.
  • Statutory effective date: January 1, 2026.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Ecological: Encourages removal of an invasive species that can damage shellfish beds and eelgrass, potentially helping restoration efforts.
  • Economic: Low fee reduces barriers to commercial participation; may stimulate small-scale fisheries, processing, and markets for green crab products (bait, fertilizer, food products, etc.).
  • Regulatory: Administrative costs to issue licenses and develop regulations are likely modest but unspecified; substantive rules (gear, reporting, sale limits, public health requirements) will be set by the Director and could materially affect implementation.
  • Enforcement/management: Success in controlling green crab populations will depend on harvest levels, coordination with existing fisheries management, and any restrictions the Director imposes.

Note: The statute establishes the licensing framework and delegation of regulatory authority but leaves operational details to forthcoming administrative regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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