New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A801

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, A801 would amend R.S.23:3-1 of New Jersey's fishing laws to explicitly acknowledge that fish caught in private community lakes do not require a state fishing license. The bill aims to streamline recreational fishing for community residents and their guests, thereby promoting outdoor activities while also reducing barriers to entry in community-managed fishing environments. The new language introduces clarity about private lakes and community rights, potentially encouraging more participation in local fishing activities and fostering community engagement.

Summary

A801, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, seeks to clarify existing fishing licensure laws by exempting residents of private communities from needing a fishing license to fish in private community lakes. The bill defines a 'private community lake' as a self-contained body of water that is managed and maintained by the community members or residents, providing them exclusive access. This amendment is targeted at preventing the issuance of citations by the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) for unlicensed fishing activities within these controlled environments, as the current interpretation of the law has led to confusion and potential penalties for community residents engaged in allowed fishing activities.

Contention

Despite the apparent benefits of A801, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation and impact on state fishing regulations. Critics, including some wildlife conservation advocates, might raise concerns about unregulated fishing practices and the potential ecological implications. The bill appears to strike a balance between facilitating recreational fishing and maintaining oversight, yet ongoing discussions may focus on how such exemptions could affect state-managed wildlife resources and local ecological conditions.

Companion Bills

NJ S472

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

NJ S870

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

NJ A2468

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

Previously Filed As

NJ A2468

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

NJ S472

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

NJ S870

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

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 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 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.