2022 -- H 7276

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LC003538

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS

     Introduced By: Representatives Solomon, Potter, Casey, and McNamara

     Date Introduced: February 02, 2022

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 20-1-16 of the General Laws in Chapter 20-1 entitled "General

Provisions" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     20-1-16. Penalty for violations.

     (a) Unless otherwise specifically provided, the violation of any law or rule or regulation

relating to wild animals, wild birds, lobsters and fish, marine, freshwater and anadromous fisheries

and shellfisheries shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred

dollars ($500) one thousand dollars ($1,000), or imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both.

     (b) Striped bass penalties. Any person, firm, or corporation shall be fined in accordance

with the following schedule:

     (1) First offense. Upon conviction, not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for each striped

bass taken, possessed, sold or possessed, and/or offered for sale and imprisonment for up to ninety

(90) days, or both.

     (2) Second offense. Upon conviction, not less than two hundred dollars ($200) for each

striped bass taken, possessed, sold or possessed, and/or offered for sale and imprisonment for up to

ninety (90) days, or both; and any boat, fishing tackle or other implements used in violation shall

be subject to forfeiture to the state.

     (3) Third and subsequent offenses. Upon conviction, not less than five hundred dollars

($500) for each striped bass taken, possessed, sold or possessed, and/or offered for sale and

imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both; and any boat, fishing tackle or other implements

used in this violation shall be subject to forfeiture to the state. Any person convicted of multiple

violations on a single occurrence of the provisions of this chapter by the department of

environmental management shall have their name and photo posted on social media or Internet

based platforms.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS

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     This act would enhance the penalty for the violation of any law rule or regulation relating

to wild animals, wild birds, lobsters and fish, marine, freshwater and anadromous fisheries and

shellfisheries from five hundred dollars ($500) to one thousand dollars ($1,000) and require an

individual convicted of multiple violations on a single occurrence to have their name and photo

posted on social media or internet based platforms.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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