HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2273        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

John J. Marsi, (BY REQUEST)

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act Limiting Weekend Warrior Commercial Striped Bass Fishing Licenses.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 2273        FILED ON: 1/15/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act Limiting Weekend Warrior Commercial Striped Bass Fishing Licenses.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Section 100A of Chapter 130 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding at the end there of the following:-

Provided however that commercial harvesting and sale of wild striped bass shall be prohibited in the commonwealth except as provided for in this section. The director shall ensure that no commercial licenses be issued under this section unless commercial fishing is the applicant’s primary source or significant portion of income, as determined by the director. In no case shall any commercial licenses be transferred or sold. If a commercial striped bass license holder under this section reports not catching any striped bass for 2 consecutive years, their striped bass commercial license shall not be renewed. All commercial fishermen licensed under this section shall annually be required to report their catch to the Division of Marine Fisheries within 90 days after the close of the commercial striped bass season. Failure to comply with this requirement shall cause said individual’s license not to be renewed for the next season.  Provided further, however, the director of the Division of Marine Fisheries may waive any penalties associated with a late filing of said report if said commercial fisherman can demonstrate a legitimate hardship.