Bill
SR 124
SR 124 formally commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program, highlighting its user-funded conservation and sending a nonbinding salute to agencies and anglers.
Status (reported)
- Bill type: Senate Resolution (commemorative)
- Introduced: February 18, 2025
- Committee referral: Referred to Senate Environment & Energy Committee
- Recorded legislative actions (as reported): read & adopted Feb 20, 2025; enrolled and transmitted May 22, 2025; resolution adoption recorded Oct 15, 2025.
- Sponsors (reported): Primary sponsors include Chris Balkema, Shawn Still, Bo Hatchett, Randy Robertson, Carden Summers, John Albers, Chuck Hufstetler and others; Sally J. Turner listed as a cosponsor.
- Related/residual measures: SCR 154 (companion), AR 177 (companion)
Purpose and intent
- SR 124 formally recognizes and commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program (established by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, commonly called the Dingell‑Johnson Act of 1950).
- The resolution highlights the program’s role in funding sportfish conservation, habitat restoration, research, and public access, and affirms the value of its user‑pay funding model.
Key provisions and findings (what the resolution states)
- Recites background: the Sport Fish Restoration Program was created in 1950 and is funded by federal excise taxes on fishing and motorboat equipment and by taxes on motorboat fuels — allowing users to directly support conservation.
- Describes the program as part of the “American System of Conservation Funding” (paired with the Wildlife Restoration Program) and credits it with major conservation successes nationwide over 75 years.
- Notes specific benefits to the State (as drafted in the bill text): funding has supported management of public waters, development of artificial reefs, marine sportfish research, creation of public fishing areas, and help for species such as striped bass, brook trout, and American shad.
- Recognizes the program’s contribution to recreational fishing, local jobs, and partnerships between state agencies and conservation organizations.
- Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the State Division of Fish and Wildlife (or equivalent) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Who would be affected
- Primarily symbolic — the resolution does not change law or appropriations.
- Stakeholders highlighted: state fish & wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, recreational anglers, marine and freshwater conservation organizations, and local communities that benefit economically from sportfishing.
Impact and limitations
- Impact: Raises public and legislative awareness of the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75‑year legacy; encourages continued stewardship, partnership, and recognition of user‑funded conservation.
- Limitations: As a commemorative Senate resolution, SR 124 is nonbinding and does not create or alter funding, regulatory authority, or programs.
Bottom line
SR 124 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program, summarizing its funding mechanism and conservation achievements, and formally transmitting that recognition to relevant state and federal conservation agencies. It is intended to honor the program’s legacy and encourage continued support rather than to effect policy or budgetary change.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
