2026 -- H 8522

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LC006431

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT OF FISHING

LAWS

     Introduced By: Representative Megan L. Cotter

     Date Introduced: May 06, 2026

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 20-23 of the General Laws entitled "Reciprocal Enforcement of

Fishing Laws" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     20-23-2. Enforcement in state boundary waters of boating or fish and game laws.

     (a) If and when the state of Connecticut enacts a similar law for arrest and punishment for

violations of boating or fish and game laws of this state, or of the state of Connecticut, committed

or attempted to be committed by any person or persons boating or fishing in that portion of any

waters lying between Connecticut and this state, any game protector, conservation officer, fish and

game warden, special conservation officer, patrolman or other person of either state who is

authorized to make arrests for such violations of boating or fish and game laws of any such other

state or this state shall have authority to make arrests on any part of any such waters lying between

such states and to take the person or persons so arrested for trial to the state in which the violation

was committed, for prosecution according to the laws of such state.

     (b) This section shall also apply and take effect if the state of Connecticut has such a law

in effect as of the effective date of this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC006431

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT OF FISHING

LAWS

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     This act would provide reciprocal enforcement of boating and fish and game laws with the

state of Connecticut on any part of waters lying between Connecticut and Rhode Island.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC006431

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