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HB 720 · 2025 · House · Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee

Ban on out-of-state bait fish

AI-generated

prohibiting the importation and sale of live bait fish from out of state.

Prohibits the importation and sale of live bait fish from out of state.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 13, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill prohibits the importation and sale of live bait fish from out of state.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Patrick LongDPrime
  • Rep. Ellen ReadDDeputy Ranking Member· Housing

Public testimony

76 signed in online · 28 wrote testimony

8% support92% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Our valuable lakes are being bombarded by many invasive species. This change in the law would reduce the potential for non-native invasive fish from damaging our fish stocks and lake and river ecology.”
— Sandra Crystall, Bowsupports
“Thank you for bringing this to the attention of the public, I had no idea that this practice was still in existence in New Hampshire. We should be concerned about this for a variety of reasons that I’m sure will be mentioned by the sponsor or other testimony.…”
— Margaret Konze, Pembrokesupports
“This bill will drive the price of live bait up drastically. It will put a strain on local baitfish populations to make up the difference, thus decreasing available food for larger fish species to feed on.”
— Scott Moore, Wolfeboroopposes
“I strongly oppose this bill as it would cripple a lot of small businesses and have an adverse effect on the outdoorsman. This would also affect money generated by tourism and out of state fishermen.”
— Aaron Benware, Claremontopposes
“I am apposed to this bill! Fishing is a big part of our economy! We must do all we can to keep fisherman happy and enjoying this great sport! A large part of this is providing bait fish to the fishermen (and women!)…”
— Douglas Plummer, Plainfieldopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-02-1211:00 amHouse Fish and Game and Marine ResourcesLOB 307Public hearingrescheduled

Legislative history

  1. Jan 9, 2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Fish and Game and Marine Resources HJ 3 P. 24
  2. Feb 5, 2025House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 02/05/2025 02:00 pm LOB 307
  3. Feb 12, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/12/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
  4. Feb 12, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 02/12/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
  5. Feb 12, 2025House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/12/2025 (Vote 15-0; CC)
  6. Mar 13, 2025HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 13

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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