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H 1055

An Act relative to the conservation of Atlantic striped bass

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Stanley

H 1055 - An Act relative to the conservation of Atlantic striped bass OverviewBill Number: H 1055 Title: An Act relative to the conservation of Atlantic striped bassStatus: Hearin

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 1055

H 1055 - An Act relative to the conservation of Atlantic striped bass

Overview

Bill Number: H 1055
Title: An Act relative to the conservation of Atlantic striped bass
Status: Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to strengthen conservation efforts for the Atlantic striped bass, an economically and ecologically important fish species found along the East Coast of the United States. The legislation is designed to address declining striped bass populations by implementing new management measures and research initiatives.

Key Provisions

  • Requires the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a comprehensive Atlantic striped bass conservation plan within 12 months of the bill's enactment
  • Establishes a 5-year moratorium on recreational and commercial fishing of striped bass in state waters to allow populations to recover
  • Mandates the creation of a striped bass research program to study migration patterns, spawning, and other factors impacting the species' health
  • Increases penalties for illegal poaching or overfishing of striped bass, with fines up to $10,000 and potential license revocation
  • Allocates $5 million in annual funding for striped bass conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and public education campaigns

Affected Parties and Impacts

The bill would have significant impacts on:

  • Recreational anglers and charter fishing operators who rely on striped bass fishing
  • Commercial fishermen who harvest striped bass for sale
  • Coastal communities and businesses that depend on striped bass-related tourism and economic activity
  • Environmental groups and conservation organizations focused on protecting marine ecosystems

While the 5-year fishing moratorium would create short-term disruptions, the goal is to rebuild striped bass populations to sustainable levels that can support both recreational and commercial uses in the long run.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

H 1055 is currently scheduled for a public hearing on October 21, 2025 before the state legislature's Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full floor vote in both the House and Senate.

Given the controversial nature of the proposed fishing moratorium, the bill faces an uncertain path to final passage and enactment. Stakeholder groups on both sides of the issue are expected to be heavily involved in the legislative process, making the timeline and outcome difficult to predict at this stage.

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

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