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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-06-24

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates a Shrimp Trawl Transition Program to provide temporary income payments to commercial fishermen who reported selling shrimp caught with trawl nets between January 2023 and June 2025, with the program expiring in October 2028. The bill also increases various coastal fishing license fees, including standard commercial fishing licenses, vessel registrations, shellfish licenses, and recreational fishing licenses.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue the transition payments help commercial shrimp trawlers adapt to changing fishing regulations or conditions by providing temporary income support during a difficult period.
• •The fee increases generate revenue to fund the transition program and support marine resource management, with supporters contending that fishing license fees haven't been substantially updated in years and that increased fees ensure sustainable fisheries management for long-term industry viability.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents contend the transition payments are temporary relief that doesn't address long-term economic challenges facing the fishing industry, and that the program's funding mechanism may deplete the Marine Resource Endowment Fund.
• •Critics argue the significant license fee increases—ranging from 45% to over 400% depending on license type—create substantial new costs for commercial and recreational fishermen, potentially reducing fishing participation and economic activity, particularly for small operators and lower-income residents.