1. 1. License required A person may not engage in the activities authorized under this section without a current for-hire charter boat operator's license.

   [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

2. 2. Licensed activity The holder of a for-hire charter boat operator's license may take paying passengers recreationally fishing for fish in the coastal waters of the State on the vessel identified on that for-hire charter boat operator's license. The license does not authorize the holder or the holder's passengers to sell any fish taken under this license.

   [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

3. 3. Agent fees A fee may not be charged for a for-hire charter boat operator's license under this section. A person seeking a license through an agent may be charged an agent fee of $2. A person seeking a license through a publicly accessible online electronic system for licensing may be charged an agent fee of $1. A person seeking a license at an office of the department from a department employee may be charged an agent fee of $1.

   [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

4. 4. Eligibility A for-hire charter boat operator's license may be issued only to an individual. A for-hire charter boat operator's license may be issued to an individual only if the individual:

   1. A. Possesses a valid United States merchant marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard for an operator of uninspected passenger vessel or master or mate captain's license; or

      [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

   2. B. Holds a current guide license for tidewater fishing as provided by rule pursuant to section 12853.

      [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

   [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

5. 5. Violation A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

   [PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW); PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).]

PL 2025, c. 155, §5 (NEW). PL 2025, c. 155, §6 (AFF).