Fishermen Off the Hook: Saltwater License Law Repealed in State Budget

The State Legislature has reached an agreement with the Governor to repeal the 2009 Saltwater Fishing License New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle (R-C-I, Port Jefferson) said today.

The license law, LaValle said,  will be transformed into a registration requirement to meet federal law. In addition, the registration is guaranteed to be free for the next two years and those who purchased lifetime licenses will be granted a refund minus the fee for the past year.

"I voted against the license law and fee when it was part of the 2009 budget and am happy to see the demise of what was essentially a hidden tax,” said LaValle. 

The agreement must still be ratified in the State Budget, which is expected to be approved shortly.