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HB 7619

AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 9 co-sponsors

Provides no-cost freshwater/saltwater fishing licenses for Rhode Island tribal members and expands exemptions, while updating commercial and recreational license fees.

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7619

Bill Summary: HB 7619 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Licensing

Main purpose and intent

  • The act primarily seeks to modify licensing provisions related to fishing and commercial fishery activities and to expand certain license exemptions.
  • Notably, it introduces a specific exemption: members of federally recognized Indian tribes located in Rhode Island would be eligible to obtain freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses at no cost.
  • It also contains technical adjustments to the commercial fishing dealers’ licensing framework.

Key provisions and changes

1) Hunting and fishing licenses – Exceptions (Section 20-2-31)

  • Expands or clarifies several existing exemptions and privileges:
    • Military service extension: Valid hunting or fishing licenses held by Rhode Island residents who join the armed forces or the merchant marine are extended for six months after service termination.
    • Military or merchant marine: Active-duty members may hunt or fish in Rhode Island using a Rhode Island license with the same fee as resident civilians.
    • Disabled veterans: A 100% disabled veteran or a person who is 100% permanently disabled may receive a no-fee license to hunt or fish, issued on a continuing basis, with papers provided to the licensing authority; once issued, they need not reappear before the licensing authority.
    • Blind individuals: Freshwater fishing license not required for blind persons (with specific definitional criteria for blindness).
    • Seniors: Residents over age 65 may receive a special permanent license to hunt or fish at no fee.
    • 100% permanently disabled individuals: May apply for a no-fee, continuing license to fish, with ongoing eligibility evidenced by disability documentation; no future appearances necessary after initial application.
    • Native/Indigenous exemption: Federally recognized Rhode Island tribes may receive a freshwater fishing license at no cost.
    • Verification and expiration: No-fee licenses for disabled individuals expire annually on February 28; documentation required to qualify or remain eligible.

2) Commercial fishing licenses – Dealers (Section 20-2.1-8)

  • Maintains regulation of bartering and trading in marine species by licensed parties and sets out license types and annual fees:
    • Multipurpose dealer license: $450 (allows purchase/sell of all marine products; valid for the calendar year).
    • Finfish dealer license: $300 (for finfish products; calendar year).
    • Shellfish dealer license: $300 (for shellfish; calendar year).
    • Crustacean dealer license: $300 (for crustaceans; calendar year).
  • Provides regulatory authority for the director to suspend, revoke, or deny licenses for violations, and to inspect business premises and records.
  • Appeals: Decisions may be challenged under the Administrative Procedures Act.
  • Penalties: Violations subject to existing penalties in § 20-1-16.

3) Recreational saltwater fishing licenses (Section 20-2.2-6)

  • Fee structure:
    • Residents: $7 (with exemptions for those over 65, active military, or tribal members).
    • Nonresidents: $10.
    • Exemptions: Over 65, tribal members in Rhode Island, and active military personnel may be exempt from fees.
  • Duration: Licenses expire December 31 of each year.
  • Seven-day license: $5, valid for seven consecutive days from issuance.
  • Information required: Name, address, phone, and date of birth on applications.
  • Replacement: Lost licenses may be replaced at no cost within the year or for the seven-day license during its valid period.
  • Licensing agents: Directors may set a portion of the license fee as a commission for state-approved vendors and licensing agents.

Effective dates and timeline

  • Sections 1 and 3 (licensing changes to freshwater and saltwater fishing, and revisions to recreational license fees) take effect on March 1, 2027.
  • Section 2 (commercial dealers licenses) takes effect upon passage.

Affected parties

  • Residents and nonresidents who fish or hunt in Rhode Island.
  • Military personnel, including active-duty and veterans, with expanded exemptions.
  • Blind and senior residents benefiting from specific no-fee or exemption provisions.
  • Federally recognized Indian tribes located in Rhode Island.
  • Commercial seafood dealers (multipurpose, finfish, shellfish, and crustacean dealers) and their licensing processes.
  • State licensing agents and vendors who may receive commissions on license sales.
  • The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), which administers and enforces these provisions.

Procedural and regulatory notes

  • The bill proposes both substantive license exemptions and new fee structures.
  • It retains the DEM's regulatory authority to issue regulations, enforce compliance, and oversee appeals under the Administrative Procedures Act.
  • It introduces a staggered effective timeline: immediate effect for the commercial licensing changes upon passage, and March 1, 2027, for freshwater/saltwater licensing provisions.

Summary of potential impact

  • Increases in accessibility for certain groups (e.g., tribal members, disabled individuals, seniors) to obtain no-cost fishing licenses.
  • Possible administrative and fiscal implications for DEM and licensing agents due to expanded exemptions, new categories, and revised fee structures.
  • Clearer framework for commercial fishery licensing with set annual fees and enhanced enforcement/inspection rights.
  • Overall, the bill emphasizes greater inclusivity in licensing exemptions while maintaining regulatory oversight and accountability.

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

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