An Act relative to fees for certain commercial fishing permits

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

Waives fees for certain commercial fishing permits held by residents aged 70 or older, per 322 CMR 7.01(2); increases senior access but reduces permit-fee revenue.

Referred to the committee on Agriculture

Overview

Senate Docket No. 216, titled An Act relative to fees for certain commercial fishing permits, would remove fees for a subset of commercial fishing permits issued to elderly residents. The bill amends Chapter 130, Section 83 of the General Laws to ensure that permits issued to individuals aged 70 or older, as identified in 322 CMR 7.01(2), are issued without any fees or monetary payments. The measure was introduced on February 27, 2025, and is currently “Referred to the committee on Agriculture.” It would take effect upon passage.

Key provisions

Adds a new provision at the end of Section 83 of Chapter 130:

“For the purposes of this section, any permit issued to an individual age 70 or older for commercial fishing permits, as listed in 322 CMR 7.01(2), shall be issued without requiring any fees or monetary payments.”

Section designation: This language is inserted through a legislative amendment to provide fee relief.

Effective date: The act would take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature (i.e., upon passage).

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Individuals age 70 or older who hold a commercial fishing permit specified in 322 CMR 7.01(2).

Permit context: The exact permits affected are those listed in 322 CMR 7.01(2), which governs the types of commercial fishing permits in question.

Broader fiscal impact: The change would reduce or eliminate fee revenue collected from these specific senior-permit holders.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduction and sponsorship: Introduced February 27, 2025; presented by Senator Bruce E. Tarr; sponsored as a petition with Senator Peter J. Durant as a petitioner (Senate, No. 72).

Legislative action to date: Referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture on the same day (February 27, 2025).

Next steps: The bill will be considered, amended if necessary, and potentially reported out of committee for further floor action in the Senate and then potentially the House, consistent with Massachusetts’ legislative process.

Potential implications

Administrative: State agencies would implement the waiver for eligible permits, including age verification and confirmation that the permit is among those listed in 322 CMR 7.01(2).

Fiscal: Potential loss of permit-fee revenue tied to the eligible permits; may necessitate a budgetary or administrative adjustment to accommodate the waived fees.

Equity and access: The measure targets older adults who may have fixed incomes, improving access to and continuity of commercial fishing activities for seniors.

If you’d like, I can add a brief section comparing this proposal to existing fee structures or provide a one-page briefing for policymakers.

Bill