Senate Bill S3722

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S3722

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the
purchase of fishing licenses via the internet


 PURPOSE :
To allow New York State and out of state residents to purchase their
first fishing licenses through an online service provided by the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
Requires the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
to develop a new way to sell fishing licenses via the internet to New
York State and out of state residents purchasing fishing licenses for
the first time.

 EXISTING LAW :
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) does
not permit New York State or out of state residents to purchase
fishing licenses online if they have not previously purchased New York
State fishing licenses through the DEC's Automated Licensing System
(DECALS).

 JUSTIFICATION :
              

Tourists and local anglers are unable to secure first-time fishing
licenses at key weekend times and off-hours. For example, tourists
visiting a destination resort or campground that offers significant
fishing opportunities for a weekend may not have an opportunity to
purchase fishing licenses over the DEC telephone service before the
operators leave. The operators are available Monday through Friday.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If prospective anglers want to purchase fishing
licenses after 5:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. the following day, they
must find the local municipal clerk who sells fishing licenses or
travel to the nearest super store in the area. Tourists are not
familiar with the area they are visiting and may have difficulty
locating the local agency or nearest super store to purchase fishing
licenses. or the vendors may be closed. While the current DEC online
service allows consumers who have previously purchased New York State
fishing licenses and are consequently in the DEC's system to purchase
fishing licenses 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Many first time buyers and
out of state residents must endure a battling process of obtaining a
fishing license that could easily be avoided if residents and
nonresidents were permitted to purchase fishing licenses for the first
time through the DECs web site.

The sponsor did not move the legislation in the previous session
because the DEC was working to establish an online opportunity for
first time fishermen. but the change has not materialized and
fishing/tourist season will soon be at its peak.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
S.6710 of 2008. Senate Rules Committee. 5.2008.  No assembly sponsor.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None for the general fund.  Additional revenue is anticipated for the
conservation fund as more out of state anglers take the opportunity to
purchase fishing licenses.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law, provided, however, that effective
immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or
regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its
effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on
or bet ore such effective date.