Eliminates shellfish license fee for veterans and active duty service members.
The enactment of A4028 will amend existing state regulations related to shellfish licensing by providing exemptions specifically for veterans and active duty members. This change aims to promote outdoor recreational activities for military personnel while recognizing their service. The bill’s passage would allow these individuals to participate in recreational shellfishing without the financial barrier of paying for a license, thereby encouraging more residents to engage in these activities and potentially fostering greater appreciation for marine resources.
Assembly Bill A4028 seeks to alleviate the financial burden on veterans and active duty service members by eliminating the shellfish license fee for these individuals in New Jersey. Currently, the residents under the age of 62 are required to pay a fee of $10 for a recreational shellfish license which permits the harvesting of shellfish such as clams and oysters. This bill proposes that honorably discharged veterans and active duty military personnel will no longer be subject to this fee, which aligns with broader efforts to support those who have served in the military.
While the bill itself appears straightforward and likely to receive broad support owing to its focus on veterans, it may also raise questions about the allocation of resources and the implications for state revenue. Some legislators might express concerns about the overall impact on state funds generated from licensing fees, especially if similar exemptions begin to accumulate. Nonetheless, supporters of the bill argue that the social benefits and recognition for veterans far outweigh the financial implications, positing that such measures are a small price to pay for honoring those who have served.