SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 303

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 303.

      This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to sell mobile sport fishing permits in a manner that provides for an initial, 14-day time period during which only New Jersey residents are able to purchase the permits.

     The bill would authorize the DEP to adopt rules and regulations to implement the bill.  The bill would take effect six months after enactment.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.