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LD 214

An Act To Create A For-Hire Charter Boat Operator License And To Require Individuals Recreationally Fishing For Halibut In Coastal Waters To Register With The Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Allison Hepler

Creates a new for-hire charter boat operator license and requires recreational halibut anglers in coastal waters to register with the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry.

Signed by Governor
#charterboatoperators #licenses #recreationalfishing
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Bill Summary · LD 214

Summary — LD 214 (132nd Legislature)

Title: An Act To Create A For-Hire Charter Boat Operator License and To Require Individuals Recreationally Fishing For Halibut In Coastal Waters To Register With The Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry

Status: Signed by the Governor (May 30, 2025)
Introduced: January 16, 2025
Committee: Marine Resources

Purpose / Intent

LD 214 establishes a new license category for for‑hire charter boat operators and requires persons who recreationally fish for halibut in Maine’s coastal waters to register with the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry. The goals are to improve regulatory oversight of commercial-for-hire operations and to obtain better data on recreational halibut effort.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new for-hire charter boat operator license (details of eligibility, fees, training or operational requirements are delegated to implementing rule or statute text not included in the summary materials).
  • Requires individuals recreationally fishing for halibut in coastal waters to register with the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry.
  • Authorizes an agent fee related to licensing/registration activity; revenue from that fee is directed to the Department of Marine Resources (DMR).
  • Provides for enforcement mechanisms and fines (collection of additional fines is expected to be small).

Note: The enacted version includes Committee Amendment “A” (H‑214); the bill was passed and engrossed as amended.

Who is affected

  • For-hire charter boat operators — will need to obtain the new operator license.
  • Recreational halibut anglers in coastal waters — must register with the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry prior to fishing.
  • Department of Marine Resources — will administer licensing/registration, collect agent fees, and handle related compliance.
  • Judicial/correctional system — may see a minimal number of new cases related to enforcement.

Fiscal and procedural impacts

  • Fiscal notes (approved 04/09/25 and 05/27/25) estimate:
    • Minor General Fund cost increase to implement/administrate the program.
    • Minor increase in General Fund and Other Special Revenue Funds from agent fees and fines.
    • Fiscal impacts are expected to be small; no additional judicial funding required.
  • Legislative timeline: Referred to Marine Resources (Jan 16); work sessions, amendment adoption, passed both chambers (May 22–28); signed by Governor May 30, 2025.

Additional notes

  • The bill was enacted with Committee Amendment “A.” Specific implementation details (fee amounts, licensing criteria, effective date) are not included in the provided materials and will be set in the statutory text or implementing rules administered by DMR.

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

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