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SB 3079

AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 4 co-sponsors

Expands free licenses for federally recognized Rhode Island tribal members, 65+ residents, and certain disabled individuals while clarifying dealer licenses and saltwater license f

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3079

Overview

SB 3079 (Rhode Island, 2026) amends licensing provisions related to hunting and fishing, with a focus on expanding free license access for certain groups and making clarifications to existing licensing rules. The bill is titled AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LICENSING and was introduced March 13, 2026. It contains three main sections affecting hunting/fishing licenses, commercial fishing dealer licenses, and recreational saltwater licenses. Sections 1 and 3 take effect March 1, 2027; Section 2 takes effect upon passage.

Key provisions

Section 1: Hunting and fishing licenses — Exceptions (Main licensing provisions)

  • Free licenses for federally recognized Rhode Island Indian tribe members:
    • The bill clarifies that any member of a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Rhode Island is entitled to a freshwater fishing license and a freshwater fishing license at no fee, and similarly for freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses.
  • Expanded eligibility for certain veterans and disabled individuals:
    • Several existing provisions are retained and clarified, including:
    • Disabled veterans (100% disabled) and permanently disabled individuals may receive licenses without payment and with a continuing special license form, valid for as long as the recipient desires; however, these provisions include ongoing requirements to present disability papers initially and thereafter only as prescribed.
    • 65+ Rhode Island residents may receive a special permanent license at no fee.
    • 100% permanently disabled individuals may apply for a no-fee license to fish, with annual expiration and documentation requirements.
  • Other existing exemptions retained:
    • Active-duty armed forces or merchant marines may hunt or fish with a Rhode Island license issued to them, at resident civilian fee rates.
    • Active duty status exemptions are maintained for service members serving in the armed forces or merchant marine, with license validity extended during/after service as described.

Section 2: Commercial fishing licenses — Dealers' licenses and fees

  • Updates to dealers’ licensing framework:
    • The section reiterates the requirement for licenses to barter/trade in marine species under the director’s regulations.
    • Dealers must purchase marine species only from licensed individuals and must purchase or possess only legally taken lobsters/marine species.
  • License types and fees (annual):
    • Multipurpose dealer’s license: $450 (allows purchase/sale of all marine products in RI for the calendar year).
    • Finfish dealer’s license: $300 (allows finfish products for the calendar year).
    • Shellfish dealer’s license: $300 (allows shellfish products for the calendar year).
    • Crustacean dealer license: $300 (allows crustaceans for the calendar year).
  • Compliance and enforcement:
    • The director may suspend, revoke, or deny licenses for violations.
    • Appeals under the Administrative Procedures Act are available.
    • Inspectors may enter business premises and inspect records to ensure compliance; interference is prohibited.
  • Penalties:
    • Violations are subject to penalties under § 20-1-16.

Section 3: Recreational saltwater fishing license — Fees, terms, and information

  • Fee structure:
    • Residents: $7.00; residents 65+, federally recognized tribal members in RI, or those in active military service are exempt from fees.
    • Nonresidents: $10.00.
    • 7-day license: $5.00 (resident or nonresident), valid for seven consecutive days including issuance day.
  • Licenses expire:
    • Annual licenses expire December 31.
  • Application requirements:
    • Licenses require name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
  • Lost licenses:
    • Replacements are free within the issuing year (or the seven-day period for 7-day licenses).
  • Revenue sharing:
    • The director may set a portion of the license fee to be retained by state-approved vendors/licensing agents as commission.

Who would be affected

  • Rhode Island residents and nonresidents seeking hunting/fishing licenses:
    • Specific exemptions and waivers for seniors (65+), veterans/disabled individuals, and active military.
    • Indians of Rhode Island tribes would receive free freshwater licenses.
  • Commercial seafood dealers:
    • Operators of multipurpose, finfish, shellfish, and crustacean dealers would face clearly defined annual licensing requirements and fees, with enforcement and penalties outlined.
  • Recreational saltwater anglers:
    • The fee structure, exemptions, and license terms for freshwater/saltwater licensing would be modified as described, including potential exemptions for certain groups.

Timelines and effective dates

  • Section 1 (and Section 3) take effect March 1, 2027.
  • Section 2 (Commercial dealer licensing) takes effect upon passage.

Summary of potential impact

  • Access and equity:
    • Expands free license access for federally recognized tribal members, 65+ residents, and permanently disabled individuals, with streamlined processes.
  • Administrative clarity:
    • Clarifies and codifies fee structures for various dealer licenses, enhancing compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Revenue and oversight:
    • Maintains licensure revenue for dealers while enabling state oversight through inspections and potential vendor commissions.
  • Implementation considerations:
    • The staggered effective dates require program updates to licensing portals, notifying eligible populations, and training staff for the new exemptions and fee changes.

Note: The bill includes typical regulatory language for exemptions, regulatory authority, and penalties, consistent with Rhode Island licensing statutes.

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

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