11-4



Hi Bob,



Representative Greene has forwarded your email to me, expressing your support for H.4224, establishing salt water fishing licenses. I apologize for taking so long to reply, but this bill has been working through another Committee, and has actually just been released by the House Ways and Means as H. 4309. Before responding to you, I wanted to be certain that the intent of the bill had not been altered, as you feared might happen. The Ways and Means version clearly intends the revenue generated by the licensing program be used to support science and conservation programs designed to improve recreational saltwater fishing and other recreational saltwater fishing improvements. The bill actually specifies that 1/3 of the fees appropriated in a fiscal year must be expended on existing or new facilities or activities which improve public access to recreational saltwater fishing. The bill Is scheduled for a vote in the full formal session this afternoon. I will try and send you an email following the vote, but please feel free to call or send an email if you don’t hear from me.



Again, sorry for taking so long, but I wanted to be certain I had the latest information. Thank you for taking the time to contact us on this matter.



Ellen


11-4



Hi Bob,



Rep. Greene asked me to let you know the bill has been passed by the House. It now goes to the Senate for their consideration.



Ellen