Rhode IslandLaw provides free fishing licenses to Rhode Island tribal members
Starting March 1, 2027, members of federally recognized Rhode Island tribes may get free freshwater licenses, while the saltwater fee waiver applies to residents.
What it does
Members of federally recognized tribes located in Rhode Island may get free freshwater fishing licenses. Rhode Island residents who are members may also get free saltwater fishing licenses.
Argument forEligible tribal members could fish in fresh water, and Rhode Island residents among them could fish in salt water, without paying license fees.
Argument againstThe fee exemptions could reduce money Rhode Island collects from fishing licenses, leaving less license revenue available for state uses.
More detail
The law provides eligible tribal members with free freshwater fishing licenses and free saltwater fishing licenses for qualifying residents. The freshwater license is for members of federally recognized tribes located in Rhode Island. The saltwater fee exemption is for Rhode Island residents who are members of such tribes. The freshwater license remains subject to the rules for fishing licenses. The saltwater fee exemption applies to residents who are members of a federally recognized tribe located in Rhode Island. These provisions take effect March 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2306/23/2026 Signed by Governor Dan McKeeBecame Law
- Jun 1806/18/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Senate passed in concurrencePassed Senate
- Jun 1006/10/2026 Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 1006/10/2026 House read and passedPassed House
- Jun 806/08/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)Minor
- Jun 806/08/2026 Committee recommends passageMinor
- Jun 506/05/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
- Mar 3103/31/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Mar 2703/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/31/2026)
- Feb 1102/11/2026 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural ResourcesIntroduced
Environment & Energy