New Hampshire Senate Bill SB51

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/9/25
• Report Pass: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/28/25
• Report Pass: 4/9/25
• Enrolled: 6/3/25
• Chaptered: 6/11/25
• Passed: 6/11/25

Caption

Relative to decal fees and the statewide public boat access program.

Impact

The legislation is significant in terms of ensuring the protection and allocation of resources for public boating access in New Hampshire. By prohibiting the diversion of decal fees from their intended purpose, the bill seeks to bolster the maintenance and expansion of boating facilities, which could enhance recreational opportunities and contribute to local tourism and economies. Additionally, the focus on aquatic plant management and lake restoration underlines the state’s commitment to preserving water resources and environmental health.

Summary

Senate Bill 51 aims to establish a framework for decal fees associated with a statewide public boat access program, ensuring that funds collected are allocated solely for their designated purposes. The bill specifies that a $5 decal fee from boat registrations will be collected and deposited into a nonlapsing fund. This fund will be continually appropriated to the fish and game department to support the statewide public boat access program, as well as provide for specific projects, such as improvements at Mount Sunapee state park beach boat ramp.

Contention

One notable point of contention is how the established fees will impact various stakeholders. Critics may argue that additional fees could be burdensome for boat owners or that such funds should be utilized more broadly within the state's environmental and transportation budgets. There may also be conversations around the effectiveness of the funds allocated to invasive species control and the management strategies employed by the department of environmental services. The bill's success in addressing these concerns will likely depend on ongoing dialogue among lawmakers, environmental groups, and the public.