Senator Ken LaValle’s Bill Enabling Easier Transfer of Family Fishing Licenses is Now Law

August 12, 2014 – Senator Ken LaValle’s bill to enable an easier transfer of State fishing licenses to family members was signed into law today.

Senator Ken LaValle said, "I sponsored this legislation to enable the great traditions of the East End fishing industry to continue from generation to generation.  Now, the licenses can be passed on to family members without the individual being required to live in the same residence.  We must do all we can to help ensure the survival of the fishing industry."

The new law amends the environmental conservation law allowing the Department of Environmental Conservation to transfer certain commercial fishing licenses to immediate family members in cases where a license holder dies prior to transferring his or her license.

Currently, the definition of immediate family means that licenses may only be transferred to immediate family members who live in the house of the license holder.  Now, family members, such as children and parents, will be eligible to receive a transferred license even though they do not live in the same household.  The Senate Bill (S6419) is now Chapter 264 of the 2014 Laws of New York.

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