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HB 655 · 2025 · House · Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee

Fish and game penalties update

AI-generated

(New Title) relative to fish and game violations, permits, and licenses.

Increases and makes mandatory the restitution for illegally taking or possessing certain animals, expands hunting license suspension and misdemeanor penalties for repeat fish and game violations, removes the perpetual crossbow permit requirement for certain persons with disabilities, and restricts nonresident taking of Atlantic menhaden absent reciprocal licensing.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · July 22, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill: I. Increases the restitution for the illegal taking or possession of certain animals, and make such restitution mandatory. II. Allows for an increased hunting license suspension for a third violation of a fish and game law or regulation. III. Establishes a class A misdemeanor penalty for a third-offense violation of fish and game offenses that carry a license suspension penalty. This bill is at the request of the fish and game commission.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. James SpillaneRPrimeChair· Fish and Game and Marine Resources
  • Rep. Brian ColeRVice Chair· Housing
  • Rep. Mike OuelletRVice Chair· Fish and Game and Marine Resources
  • Sen. Bill GannonRChair· Judiciary
  • Sen. Victoria SullivanRVice Chair· Education

Also: Rep. Will DarbyD, Rep. Jess EdwardsR, Rep. Aboul KhanR, Rep. David LoveR, Rep. Daniel Popovici-MullerR, Sen. David WattersD

Public testimony

36 signed in online · 10 wrote testimony

94% support6% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“The NH Association of Conservation Commissions supports the increase in penalties for violations to Fish & Game regulations.”
— Barbara Richter, Concord · NH Association of Conservation Commissionssupports
“I support this bill, in fact I think the penalties listed in this bill could be even higher”
— Diane Richardson, Georges millssupports
“Hunting violations not only pose a danger to those of us who enjoy walking in New Hampshires beautiful woods, but also adversely affect our treasured wildlife. Increasing penalties is an effective way to prevent these violations. Thank you.”
— Joan Walker, Peterboroughsupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-02-0511:00 amHouse Fish and Game and Marine ResourcesLOB 307Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-02-1211:00 amHouse Fish and Game and Marine ResourcesLOB 307Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-03-259:00 amSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 9, 2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Fish and Game and Marine Resources HJ 3 P. 21
  2. Feb 5, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/05/2025 02:00 pm LOB 307
  3. Feb 12, 2025HousePublic Hearing on non-germane Amendment # 2025-0063h: 02/12/2025 03:45 pm LOB 307
  4. Feb 12, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 02/12/2025 03:45 pm LOB 307
  5. Feb 12, 2025House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0063h (NT) 02/12/2025 (Vote 14-0; CC)
  6. Mar 13, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0063h (NT): AA VV 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 13
  7. Mar 13, 2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0063h: MA VV 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 13
  8. Mar 13, 2025HouseReferred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 13
  9. Mar 13, 2025HouseReferral Waived by Committee Chair per House Rule 47(f) 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 47
  10. Mar 13, 2025SenIntroduced 03/13/2025 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 8
  11. Mar 25, 2025SenHearing: 03/25/2025, Room 103, SH, 10:00 am; SC 14
  12. Apr 17, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass, 04/17/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17
  13. Apr 17, 2025SenHB 655-FN was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 04/17/2025; SJ 10
  14. Apr 17, 2025SenSen. Avard Floor Amendment # 2025-1586s, AA, VV; 04/17/2025; SJ 10
  15. Apr 17, 2025SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-1586s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/17/2025; SJ 10
  16. Jun 12, 2025HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-1586s (Rep. Spillane): MA VV 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 9
  17. Jun 26, 2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 60
  18. Jun 26, 2025SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
  19. Jul 15, 2025HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025; Chapter 202; eff. I Sec 1-3-5 eff 09/13/2025 II. Rem eff 07/15/2025 HJ 18

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.