HB 720 · 2025 · House · Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee
Ban on out-of-state bait fish
AI-generatedprohibiting 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- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill prohibits the importation and sale of live bait fish from out of state.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site
“The executive director shall have the authority, pursuant to RSA 541-A, to adopt and enforce rules relative to bait dealers dealing in [live fish or] aquatic invertebrates with the exception of the daily bag limits and possession limits.”
“A retailer may take 20 quarts per day and hold a maximum of 100 quarts possession limit at any one time.”
“A wholesaler may take 100 quarts per day and hold a maximum of 200 quarts possession limit at any one time.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- 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.”
“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.…”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!)…”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Feb 12, 2025HouseCommittee report· consent calendarCommittee report: Inexpedient to Legislate15–0Overall100% yea
- Mar 13, 2025HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted
Hearings and debates
- Feb 12, 2025Public hearingHouse Fish and Game and Marine Resources4:23–5:311m 8slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Public Hearing; Executive Session
- Mar 13, 2025Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 9, 2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Fish and Game and Marine Resources HJ 3 P. 24
- Feb 5, 2025House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 02/05/2025 02:00 pm LOB 307
- Feb 12, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/12/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
- Feb 12, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 02/12/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
- Feb 12, 2025House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/12/2025 (Vote 15-0; CC)
- 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.