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LC 164

Generally revise private fish pond fees and penalties

2025 Regular Session

LC 164 - Generally Revise Private Fish Pond Fees and Penalties OverviewBill Number: LC 164 Title: Generally Revise Private Fish Pond Fees and Penalties Status: (LC) Draft Died in

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 164

LC 164 - Generally Revise Private Fish Pond Fees and Penalties

Overview

Bill Number: LC 164
Title: Generally Revise Private Fish Pond Fees and Penalties
Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process
Introduced: September 05, 2024

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of LC 164 is to update the regulations and fees related to private fish ponds in the state. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process, adjust fee structures, and establish new penalties for violations in order to better manage and protect the state's private fish pond resources.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all private fish ponds to obtain a permit from the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (DFWP)
  • Establishes a new annual permit fee structure based on pond size:
    • Ponds under 1 acre: $50 per year
    • Ponds 1-5 acres: $100 per year
    • Ponds over 5 acres: $200 per year
  • Increases penalties for operating a private fish pond without a valid permit:
    • First offense: $500 fine
    • Subsequent offenses: $1,000 fine and potential permit revocation
  • Grants DFWP authority to conduct inspections of private fish ponds to ensure compliance
  • Allows DFWP to revoke permits for repeated violations or failure to pay annual fees

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact owners and operators of private fish ponds in the state. The new permit requirements, fee structure, and penalties are intended to improve DFWP's ability to monitor and regulate these private water bodies. Pond owners would face increased costs and potential fines for non-compliance, but the state hopes this will lead to better stewardship of private fish pond resources.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

LC 164 was introduced in September 2024 but did not advance past the draft stage and ultimately died in the legislative process. No further action was taken on this specific bill. However, the issues it sought to address around private fish pond regulations may be revisited in future legislative sessions.

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

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