HB 655-FN (2025): relative to fish and game violations, permits, and licenses.

HB 655-FN (2025)

relative to fish and game violations, permits, and licenses.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Fish and Game and Marine Resources
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Fish & Game
• Chapter law: 202

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 5, 2025, with 14 people signed in online: 14 in support. The committee held a public hearing on February 12, 2025 on a proposed non-germane amendment (2025-0063h), with 22 people signed in online: 20 in support and 2 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on February 12, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 14–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-0063h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-0063h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 13, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 13, 2025 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On March 13, 2025 the bill was referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee, whose chair waived the referral under House Rule 47(f). It crossed to the Senate on March 13, 2025 and was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 25, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. A floor amendment (2025-1586s), offered by Sen. Kevin Avard, was adopted on a voice vote on April 17, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On April 17, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On June 12, 2025 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-1586s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. James Spillane. The bill was enrolled on June 26, 2025 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 15, 2025, making it Chapter 202 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. James Spillane (R - Rock 2) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Aboul Khan (R - Rock 30)
• Sen. Bill Gannon (R - SD23)
• Rep. Brian Cole (R - Hills 26)
• Rep. David Love (R - Rock 13)
• Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R - SD18)
• Rep. Will Darby (D - Hills 11)
• Rep. Daniel Popovici-Muller (R - Rock 17)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)
• Rep. Jess Edwards (R - Rock 31)
• Rep. Mike Ouellet (R - Coos 3)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 5, 2025, 2:00 PM: public hearing, House Fish and Game and Marine Resources, LOB 307
• February 12, 2025, 3:45 PM: executive session, House Fish and Game and Marine Resources, LOB 307
• March 13, 2025: floor debate, House
• March 25, 2025, 10:00 AM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103
• April 17, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• June 12, 2025: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 13, 2025, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-0063h — voice vote, passed
• April 17, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-1586s — voice vote, passed
• June 12, 2025, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-1586s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 207:55
• RSA 214:19
• RSA 214:37
• RSA 207:10-c
• RSA 211:49-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 14
• SC 17
• House Calendar 15, 2025, committee report