New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S870

Introduced
1/18/22  

Caption

Clarifies that fishing license is not required to fish at private community lake.

Impact

Currently, New Jersey law requires a fishing license for all individuals fishing in the state's waters. However, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has not recognized the existing exemption for private community lakes, leading to conflicting interpretations of the law. By passing this bill, the legislature aims to align the regulations with community expectations and practices, allowing local residents to fish in their own controlled environments without the burden of obtaining a state fishing license.

Summary

Senate Bill 870 seeks to clarify the fishing licensure requirements in the State of New Jersey, specifically concerning private community lakes. The legislation states that residents of private communities and their authorized guests do not require a fishing license to fish in the defined private community lakes. This definition includes manmade, self-contained bodies of water that are privately owned and maintained by community members themselves. The bill aims to eliminate confusion regarding current state laws which could lead to unintended citations for unlicensed fishing in these community lakes.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB 870 arises from the potential implications this may have for state control over fishing regulations. Opponents may argue that this measure undermines the state's authority to manage fishing activities broadly and could lead to inconsistencies in fisheries management across various communities. They may also bring up concerns about conservation and sustainability practices if fishing is allowed without regulation in privately controlled bodies of water.

Overall_significance

If enacted, this bill would not only streamline the fishing experience for residents of private communities but also clarify the legal standing of such private lakes in New Jersey's broader regulatory context. It acknowledges the importance of local governance and self-regulation among communities while also potentially prompting further discussion regarding fishing regulations and their enforcement in the state.

Companion Bills

NJ A2468

Same As Clarifies that fishing license is not required to fish at private community lake.

Previously Filed As

NJ S472

Clarifies that fishing license is not required to fish at private community lake.

NJ A801

Clarifies that fishing license is not required to fish at private community lake.

NJ A2468

Clarifies that fishing license is not required to fish at private community lake.

NJ S158

Authorizes free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to State parks and forests for individuals with certain types of military service.

NJ S1884

Authorizes free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to State parks and forests for individuals with certain types of military service.

NJ A704

Authorizes free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to State parks and forests for individuals with certain types of military service.

NJ A1727

Authorizes free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to State parks and forests for individuals with certain types of military service.

NJ A131

Authorizes free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to State parks and forests for disabled veterans and individuals with certain types of military service.

NJ A4603

Authorizes free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and free admission to State parks and forests for disabled veterans and individuals with certain types of military service.

NJ S810

Prohibits using cadaveric fetal tissue obtained from elective abortion procedure for research purposes and using any cadaveric fetal tissue to research cosmetic treatments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.