Boating decal, rental bills clear hurdles....

Woodsy · 02-27-2007, 12:28 PM

A glimpse of things to come.....

A bill that would create a $20 fee for non-registered out-of-state boaters is being recommended for passage by the House of Representatives' Resources Recreation and Development Committee.

The bill is among two that cleared hurdles last week. The second bill would require boating rental agencies to register with the state and be more stringent about whom they hand the keys to.

A proposal that would require the purchase of a "boater education decal" to operate on inland waters has been given the "ought to pass" tag by the committee after a 16-4 vote on an amended version of the bill.

House Bill 815 would require non-registered boaters to purchase a sticker through the Department of Safety, but those with New Hampshire registrations would receive the decal for free.

Any boat whose size or classification would require it to be registered in New Hampshire would need to have a sticker with the decal under the proposed law, being sponsored by Rep. Chris Christensen, a Republican from Merrimack.

Christensen has been working with representatives from the New Hampshire Lakes Association to craft a bill aimed at boosting the contributions of non-registered boaters toward the cost of a lake management process that involves the N.H. Fish and Game Department, the Department of Environmental Services and its Dam Bureau, and the Marine Patrol.

Christensen says the current system does not require any permits for boaters who aren't registered in New Hampshire and who use their boats on inland waters for less than 30 consecutive days.

The decal has nothing to do with the state's official Boating Education Program but is being called a "boating education" sticker because it would provide recipients with information on issues like the spread of milfoil and other exotic weeds in New Hampshire waters. Maine has a similar decal that is required for out-of-state boaters.

The bill was placed before the Resources Recreation and Development Committee last week during a public hearing that saw most opposition relating to the allocation of revenues from its sale and concerns about how it might impact tourism.

The original version of the bill proposed that money from the $20 decals would be split, with $6 going to the N.H. Clean Lake Program and $6 going to the Dam Maintenance Fund.

The Department of Safety would get $2 from each decal as a processing fee and $4 that would go into the Marine Patrol's Navigation Safety Fund.

Another $2 from each decal would have gone toward the Fish and Game Department's public access efforts that help install boat ramps on inland bodies of water.

Christensen said the panel voted 20-0 to amend the bill so that each agency would receive $4.50 before recommending its passage by a 16-4 vote.

The panel also amended the bill to include a "sunset" clause that would require that come up for review in five years.

The bill's sponsor said the largest amount of opposition to the bill came from Rep. James Aguiar, D-Campton, who he expressed concerns about its enforceability by Marine Patrol.

Christensen said he has few concerns about the ability of Marine Patrol to enforce a law that would simply have officers checking for decals much like a police officer would look for an inspection sticker or a registration.

"My opinion is it's kind of like State Police checking your inspection or registration," said Christensen, adding that it obviously wouldn't be Marine Patrol's main task.

Derek Durbin, the environmental policy director for the N.H. Lakes Association, said he was pleased that the bill cleared the hurdle and is now headed toward the Ways and Means Committee.

However, some parties remain skeptical about a bill that they fear could hurt tourism.

Dick Smith of the N.H. Bass Federation told the committee he had "mixed" feelings about the bill during the public hearing and said the issue of tourism should be in the forefront of lawmakers' minds when it comes to the floor.

"We don't know for sure what impact this will have on our tourism ... I think Maine set a bad precedent. It's something legislators should give a lot of consideration to before they pass it," said Smith.

Smith said he understands that the bill would assist in the funding of departments like Fish and Game, which he admits is in need of serious budget help.

It was Smith who argued before the committee that Fish and Game should be given more money from the decal and he said the amended version is far more favorable.

"We are going to support this bill as amended," said Smith of the Bass Federation.

Christensen said he expects the bill to hit the full House floor in the next two weeks.

The House Transportation Committee has also recommended the passage of a HB 714 that seeks to require boating rental agencies to register annually with the Department of Safety.

The bill seeks to remedy concerns that some rental outfits are not providing adequate boating instruction to customers and would allow the state to revoke their registrations if they do not assure an operator understands New Hampshire boating laws before they turn over the keys.

The boating rental registration bill was recommended as "ought to pass" by a 12-0 vote in the Transportation Committee.

LIforrelaxin · 02-27-2007, 02:05 PM

Ok I could live with this .... it doesn't appear as though they have targetted having to get stickers for canoes and kayaks.... but they want motor boaters to pay a little more.... Just on thing, why not raise my registration fee and not have me put an additional sticker on my boat?

Thanks for posting this Woodsy......

Woodsy · 02-27-2007, 02:34 PM

NH registered boats get the sticker for free.... it WILL have to be displayed if passed.

The Kayak/Canoe sticker is a completely different piece of legislation... its on the fast track as well.

Woodsy

The Real BigGuy · 03-02-2007, 04:07 PM

Aren't we talking basically the same thing that was going on before NH moved to bow numbers for inland waters?

Back in the early to mid 80's we all got number plates from NH. NH didn't recognize the bow numbers from other states and, conversly, you couldn't boat in another state w/o registering your boat there and getting bow numbers. If NH passes this law anyone who uses the inland waters of another state can eventually plan to run into reciprocal fees.

John A. Birdsall · 03-08-2007, 12:59 PM

This is just adding weight to the bow of boats, and causing larger wakes. Movable advertising with 0 impact. Does not the legislature of NH have better things to pass such as speed limits for bycles, roller skates, and perhaps even speed limits for state troopers cars.

Blue Thunder · 03-08-2007, 01:34 PM

The "Preserve Maine Waters" stickers, AKA "Milfoil" stickers are sold exclusively to help the prevention and control of invasive plants and fish being introduced into Maine's inland waters. If your boat is registered in Maine the fee is $10, if registered out of state, it's $20. It's a great program and I don't have a problem with the $10.

http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/topic/...invsticker.htm

Blue Thunder

RLW · 03-08-2007, 01:53 PM

This question may be a stupid one to some, but why do NH registered boats need any stickers other than the Bow number and registration that is now on the bow as there is not a fee to the NH registered boats. I just don't get it, it's just more cost for stickers by the state.

LIforrelaxin · 03-08-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLW

This question may be a stupid one to some, but why do NH registered boats need any stickers other than the Bow number and registration that is now on the bow as there is not a fee to the NH registered boats. I just don't get it, it's just more cost for stickers by the state.

Because the guy that makes the sticker wants to make a few bucks... no other reason.... If they want to put a fee in place that is fine, but if I register my boat in NH it should be part of the registration fee.... I have no problems with and addition fee as long as I know where the money is going ..... but additional stickers is ridiculous.... I do agree you need to do something for the out of staters.... but in state registrations having to display another sticker is only benefiting one person.... the guy making the stickers......

Chris Craft · 03-09-2007, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

The "Preserve Maine Waters" stickers, AKA "Milfoil" stickers are sold exclusively to help the prevention and control of invasive plants and fish being introduced into Maine's inland waters. If your boat is registered in Maine the fee is $10, if registered out of state, it's $20. It's a great program and I don't have a problem with the $10.

http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/topic/...invsticker.htm

Blue Thunder

I have also found that if you do not want to put the sticker on your boat that you can just keep it handy and when you are going by show it to the guys if they ask.

Jon

Fisherjeep · 04-02-2007, 01:51 PM

Why doesn't New Hampshire just ban all out of state boaters and be done with it? This constant barage of licences, speed limits, stickers, etc is ridiculous. It is quite clear to me that the owners of the McMansions want everbody off "their" lake. It would be best to just announce that from now on the only people welcome on the lake are shorefront property owners with property valued above 2 mil. I have been fishing and boating on the lake for over 25 years I have contributed greatly to the area through my purchases of fishing licences boating registrations, loging .meals etc.
If New Hampshire continues to reach into the pockets of out of state boaters they will stop coming. Then the next big issue on this forum will be the failing economy in the lakes region.

ITD · 04-02-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisherjeep

Why doesn't New Hampshire just ban all out of state boaters and be done with it? This constant barage of licences, speed limits, stickers, etc is ridiculous. It is quite clear to me that the owners of the McMansions want everbody off "their" lake. It would be best to just announce that from now on the only people welcome on the lake are shorefront property owners with property valued above 2 mil. I have been fishing and boating on the lake for over 25 years I have contributed greatly to the area through my purchases of fishing licences boating registrations, loging .meals etc.
If New Hampshire continues to reach into the pockets of out of state boaters they will stop coming. Then the next big issue on this forum will be the failing economy in the lakes region.

Huh?????

Barking up the wrong tree here, if your going to rant, at least get the story straight...........

Fisherjeep · 04-02-2007, 06:04 PM

Maybe you could educate me then. The way I read this bill is, as an out of state boater who does not register my boat in NH I am going to be forced to pay an additional $20 for a sticker. Is this correct?

ITD · 04-02-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisherjeep

Maybe you could educate me then. The way I read this bill is, as an out of state boater who does not register my boat in NH I am going to be forced to pay an additional $20 for a sticker. Is this correct?

Yeah, I think you got that part right, at least according to Woodsy's original post. The part you're wrong about is blaming the lake front and mcmansion owners for this. Instead you should be blaming the liberal tax and spend legislature for this. ( I know this was championed by a "Republican", I stand by my statement.) Most of the lakefront owners I know could care less about you and your fishing pole and certainly wouldn't be sitting around trying to devise a $20 sticker to make you stay away. Many of us are from out of state also and are used to being turned upside down and having the money shaken out of our pockets by the perpetual tax and spend pols. Many of us also knew what we were getting into when we bought our properties. Welcome to the club. Enjoy the lake.

Fisherjeep · 04-03-2007, 07:22 AM

Sorry for the rant but, what I was trying to say is between operator licencing (ridiculous), the price of an out of state fishing licence and now the possible addition of another fee to hit the out of staters I think NH is shooting itself in the foot. How much does it take before the out of stater decides it is not worth the trip? also, factor in high fuel cost to get there. These people are the bread and butter for the region. Maybe it's time NH stops turning them upside down and shaking the money out of their pockets. NH may have some serious revenue issues but I just think reaching deeper into the tourist pockets is not the answer.

ITD · 04-03-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisherjeep

Sorry for the rant but, what I was trying to say is between operator licencing (ridiculous), the price of an out of state fishing licence and now the possible addition of another fee to hit the out of staters I think NH is shooting itself in the foot. How much does it take before the out of stater decides it is not worth the trip? also, factor in high fuel cost to get there. These people are the bread and butter for the region. Maybe it's time NH stops turning them upside down and shaking the money out of their pockets. NH may have some serious revenue issues but I just think reaching deeper into the tourist pockets is not the answer.

No problem, nothing wrong with a good rant, I just wanted to make sure you directed your anger were it belongs, not to say some lakefront owners think the way you describe, but most if not all I know don't. Also, don't think of the issues as revenue issues, think of them as spending issues which require the politicians to figure out how to forcibly extract money from us to pay for their inefficiency.

Phantom · 04-03-2007, 03:14 PM

Rayhunt --- most states have an Annual decal for use with the bow numbers. That allows easy identification of wether the craft or for that matter snowmobile (and my car is not registered in NH) I suspect your license plates do too.

Skip · 04-12-2007, 09:01 AM

The House, by an overwhelming margin, passed the $20 non-resident boater decal fee on to the Senate yesterday.

Brief article in today's on-line edition of the Union Leader.

WeirsBeachBoater · 04-12-2007, 10:51 AM

Can you post the HB # ? I want to read the amended version.

Skip · 04-12-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeirsBeachBoater

Can you post the HB # ? I want to read the amended version.

You will be looking for HB 815....

WeirsBeachBoater · 04-12-2007, 02:20 PM

Looking at it now amended, this really only effects out of state registered craft. NH bow numbers will not have to display an additional sticker. So if someone from ME or MA comes to the lake they will have to get this sticker to go beside their MA1234 Bow #'s. I also saw that the rental agent bill made it through the House and on to the Senate. I especially like that one, its about time rental agents were made more accountable. IMO

LIforrelaxin · 04-12-2007, 08:10 PM

I find this bill very interesting. You would think that in a state where the tourists are extremely important to the enconomy they would try to do things to entice people to come and visit. Not that I think many people will be detered from coming to NH because of this extra fee.... but it may stop some..... Another issue here I see, is that if the state expects out of staters to pay a fee to go boating, then the state better start making improvements in both the availability and conditions of public ramps.... After growing up out west where there where always nice ramps and docking facilities for the general public at lakes and rivers, I find that the facilities all over the northeast are poor, and if a state like NH wants out of state boater to pay a fee to use it lakes, it needs to also provide the facilities for people to do so....

I know they are working on this, on many lakes..... but if they want to pass a bill like this they need to hasten thier efforts....

Airwaves · 04-12-2007, 09:17 PM

Back in the 70's NH had something called a "Commuter Tax". NH imposed a tax on Mass and Maine residents (and anyone else) that commuted to work in NH but lived out of state.

As I recall it was ruled an illegal tax because it was imposed on one group of people (out of state residents) but not another (in state residents who worked out of state.)

So how would this be different? If out of state boaters are required to purchase a decal to boat in NH and that decal was made available to an in state boater for free.

Given that registrations are reciprocal between states how would this be legal?

It would be like saying to MA, ME, VT, NY drivers you need to pay a fee (beyond those obnoxious tolls that hit everyone) to drive in NH but NH registered vehicles do not have to pay the additional fee.

I have both a NH and MA registered boat. So I am not qualified in one, but I am in the other?

Lawyers are going to make a killing!

Woodsy · 04-13-2007, 07:37 AM

Its no different than Maine requiring out-of-state boaters to purchase a "Milfoil" sticker... In fact ALOT of states charge different fees to boat on thier state waters. Lake George NY has an access fee.

I am sure its very much allowed

Woodsy

LIforrelaxin · 04-13-2007, 08:00 AM

It is all in the wording.... if NH (or Maine, or NY) made out of staters Register boats then it would be a problem....but why if they call it an "Milfoil fee" or "education fee" then I am sure it slides through the loop holes..... Now do I think it is right....hell no.... why someone may ask.... because what is next..... not necessarily a "commuter tax" but gezzz what about a "education sticker" for an automobile to make sure out of staters know any state specific driving rules.... There is a slippery slope here...

Skip · 04-13-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Its no different than Maine requiring out-of-state boaters to purchase a "Milfoil" sticker... In fact ALOT of states charge different fees to boat on thier state waters. Lake George NY has an access fee.

I am sure its very much allowed

Woodsy

Woodsy is correct. There is a huge legal difference between tax and fee issues concerning the motoring public and fees individual states attach for state owned entities, like inland waters.

The States receive federal funding for roadways and there is ample case law discerning what fees and taxes can be imposed on folks travelling roadways.

However, the inland waterways are owned by the State of New Hampshire with no such federal impositions. The State can and does charge access fees where necessary.

In Airwaves case, he/she will not have to purchase a sticker for his/her New Hampshire registered boat, but will have to purchase a sticker for the boat not registered in this State, if the bill is passed as proposed.

I am no way saying the bill is fair or even a smart proposal. My only point here is the State is allowed to impose such fees on its inland waters if it so desires.

Think of it as an enhanced registration fee for an out of state entity. No more illegal than the different set of fees each state charges for its out of state OHRVers, snowmobilers, hunters, etc.

TomC · 04-12-2007, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip

The House, by an overwhelming margin, passed the $20 non-resident boater decal fee on to the Senate yesterday.

Non-RESIDENT or non-REGISTERED in NH?

Many non-residents have boats registered in NH. Is it a correct assumption that if the boat displays NH Bow Numbers, this $20 "stick-em-up"....er... sticker fee.... is not required?

Woodsy · 04-12-2007, 12:24 PM

I am pretty sure the bill is for non NH registered boats.... very similar in scope to what Maine requires for out-of-state boaters.

Woodsy

Skip · 04-12-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I am pretty sure the bill is for non NH registered boats.... very similar in scope to what Maine requires for out-of-state boaters.

Woodsy

Woodsy is correct..if the boat is not displaying a New Hampshire registration then it will need the supplemental decal.

Remember, this has only passed the House. It must now survive the Senate where it can be rejected or ammended prior to being sent off to the Governor's office for a signature.

02-27-2007, 12:28 PM	#1
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,949 Thanks: 80 Thanked 969 Times in 432 Posts	Boating decal, rental bills clear hurdles.... A glimpse of things to come..... A bill that would create a $20 fee for non-registered out-of-state boaters is being recommended for passage by the House of Representatives' Resources Recreation and Development Committee. The bill is among two that cleared hurdles last week. The second bill would require boating rental agencies to register with the state and be more stringent about whom they hand the keys to. A proposal that would require the purchase of a "boater education decal" to operate on inland waters has been given the "ought to pass" tag by the committee after a 16-4 vote on an amended version of the bill. House Bill 815 would require non-registered boaters to purchase a sticker through the Department of Safety, but those with New Hampshire registrations would receive the decal for free. Any boat whose size or classification would require it to be registered in New Hampshire would need to have a sticker with the decal under the proposed law, being sponsored by Rep. Chris Christensen, a Republican from Merrimack. Christensen has been working with representatives from the New Hampshire Lakes Association to craft a bill aimed at boosting the contributions of non-registered boaters toward the cost of a lake management process that involves the N.H. Fish and Game Department, the Department of Environmental Services and its Dam Bureau, and the Marine Patrol. Christensen says the current system does not require any permits for boaters who aren't registered in New Hampshire and who use their boats on inland waters for less than 30 consecutive days. The decal has nothing to do with the state's official Boating Education Program but is being called a "boating education" sticker because it would provide recipients with information on issues like the spread of milfoil and other exotic weeds in New Hampshire waters. Maine has a similar decal that is required for out-of-state boaters. The bill was placed before the Resources Recreation and Development Committee last week during a public hearing that saw most opposition relating to the allocation of revenues from its sale and concerns about how it might impact tourism. The original version of the bill proposed that money from the $20 decals would be split, with $6 going to the N.H. Clean Lake Program and $6 going to the Dam Maintenance Fund. The Department of Safety would get $2 from each decal as a processing fee and $4 that would go into the Marine Patrol's Navigation Safety Fund. Another $2 from each decal would have gone toward the Fish and Game Department's public access efforts that help install boat ramps on inland bodies of water. Christensen said the panel voted 20-0 to amend the bill so that each agency would receive $4.50 before recommending its passage by a 16-4 vote. The panel also amended the bill to include a "sunset" clause that would require that come up for review in five years. The bill's sponsor said the largest amount of opposition to the bill came from Rep. James Aguiar, D-Campton, who he expressed concerns about its enforceability by Marine Patrol. Christensen said he has few concerns about the ability of Marine Patrol to enforce a law that would simply have officers checking for decals much like a police officer would look for an inspection sticker or a registration. "My opinion is it's kind of like State Police checking your inspection or registration," said Christensen, adding that it obviously wouldn't be Marine Patrol's main task. Derek Durbin, the environmental policy director for the N.H. Lakes Association, said he was pleased that the bill cleared the hurdle and is now headed toward the Ways and Means Committee. However, some parties remain skeptical about a bill that they fear could hurt tourism. Dick Smith of the N.H. Bass Federation told the committee he had "mixed" feelings about the bill during the public hearing and said the issue of tourism should be in the forefront of lawmakers' minds when it comes to the floor. "We don't know for sure what impact this will have on our tourism ... I think Maine set a bad precedent. It's something legislators should give a lot of consideration to before they pass it," said Smith. Smith said he understands that the bill would assist in the funding of departments like Fish and Game, which he admits is in need of serious budget help. It was Smith who argued before the committee that Fish and Game should be given more money from the decal and he said the amended version is far more favorable. "We are going to support this bill as amended," said Smith of the Bass Federation. Christensen said he expects the bill to hit the full House floor in the next two weeks. The House Transportation Committee has also recommended the passage of a HB 714 that seeks to require boating rental agencies to register annually with the Department of Safety. The bill seeks to remedy concerns that some rental outfits are not providing adequate boating instruction to customers and would allow the state to revoke their registrations if they do not assure an operator understands New Hampshire boating laws before they turn over the keys. The boating rental registration bill was recommended as "ought to pass" by a 12-0 vote in the Transportation Committee. __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

02-27-2007, 02:05 PM	#2
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,827 Thanks: 1,017 Thanked 881 Times in 515 Posts	Ok I could live with this Ok I could live with this .... it doesn't appear as though they have targetted having to get stickers for canoes and kayaks.... but they want motor boaters to pay a little more.... Just on thing, why not raise my registration fee and not have me put an additional sticker on my boat? Thanks for posting this Woodsy...... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island..... Last edited by LIforrelaxin; 02-27-2007 at 02:08 PM. Reason: additional comment

02-27-2007, 02:34 PM	#3
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,949 Thanks: 80 Thanked 969 Times in 432 Posts	NH registered boats get the sticker for free.... it WILL have to be displayed if passed. The Kayak/Canoe sticker is a completely different piece of legislation... its on the fast track as well. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

03-02-2007, 04:07 PM	#4
The Real BigGuy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,112 Thanks: 109 Thanked 410 Times in 244 Posts	Deja Vu Aren't we talking basically the same thing that was going on before NH moved to bow numbers for inland waters? Back in the early to mid 80's we all got number plates from NH. NH didn't recognize the bow numbers from other states and, conversly, you couldn't boat in another state w/o registering your boat there and getting bow numbers. If NH passes this law anyone who uses the inland waters of another state can eventually plan to run into reciprocal fees.

03-08-2007, 12:59 PM	#5
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	bow sticker This is just adding weight to the bow of boats, and causing larger wakes. Movable advertising with 0 impact. Does not the legislature of NH have better things to pass such as speed limits for bycles, roller skates, and perhaps even speed limits for state troopers cars.

03-08-2007, 01:34 PM	#6
Blue Thunder Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Eastern MA & Frye Island/Sebago Lake, Maine Posts: 935 Thanks: 247 Thanked 323 Times in 148 Posts	Consider yourselves lucky.. The "Preserve Maine Waters" stickers, AKA "Milfoil" stickers are sold exclusively to help the prevention and control of invasive plants and fish being introduced into Maine's inland waters. If your boat is registered in Maine the fee is $10, if registered out of state, it's $20. It's a great program and I don't have a problem with the $10. http://www.maine.gov/dep/blwq/topic/...invsticker.htm Blue Thunder __________________ " Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come"

03-08-2007, 01:53 PM	#7
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	Stickers This question may be a stupid one to some, but why do NH registered boats need any stickers other than the Bow number and registration that is now on the bow as there is not a fee to the NH registered boats. I just don't get it, it's just more cost for stickers by the state. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

04-02-2007, 01:51 PM	#10
Fisherjeep Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 7 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Why doesn't New Hampshire just ban all out of state boaters and be done with it? This constant barage of licences, speed limits, stickers, etc is ridiculous. It is quite clear to me that the owners of the McMansions want everbody off "their" lake. It would be best to just announce that from now on the only people welcome on the lake are shorefront property owners with property valued above 2 mil. I have been fishing and boating on the lake for over 25 years I have contributed greatly to the area through my purchases of fishing licences boating registrations, loging .meals etc. If New Hampshire continues to reach into the pockets of out of state boaters they will stop coming. Then the next big issue on this forum will be the failing economy in the lakes region.

04-02-2007, 06:04 PM	#12
Fisherjeep Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 7 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Maybe you could educate me then. The way I read this bill is, as an out of state boater who does not register my boat in NH I am going to be forced to pay an additional $20 for a sticker. Is this correct?

04-03-2007, 07:22 AM	#14
Fisherjeep Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 7 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sorry for the rant but, what I was trying to say is between operator licencing (ridiculous), the price of an out of state fishing licence and now the possible addition of another fee to hit the out of staters I think NH is shooting itself in the foot. How much does it take before the out of stater decides it is not worth the trip? also, factor in high fuel cost to get there. These people are the bread and butter for the region. Maybe it's time NH stops turning them upside down and shaking the money out of their pockets. NH may have some serious revenue issues but I just think reaching deeper into the tourist pockets is not the answer.

04-03-2007, 03:14 PM	#16
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,931 Thanks: 445 Thanked 604 Times in 340 Posts	Rayhunt --- most states have an Annual decal for use with the bow numbers. That allows easy identification of wether the craft or for that matter snowmobile (and my car is not registered in NH) I suspect your license plates do too. __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

04-12-2007, 09:01 AM	#17
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	House passes $20 non-resident decal fee... The House, by an overwhelming margin, passed the $20 non-resident boater decal fee on to the Senate yesterday. Brief article in today's on-line edition of the Union Leader.

04-12-2007, 10:51 AM	#18
WeirsBeachBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 709 Blog Entries: 9 Thanks: 39 Thanked 148 Times in 65 Posts	Skip Can you post the HB # ? I want to read the amended version.

04-12-2007, 02:20 PM	#20
WeirsBeachBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 709 Blog Entries: 9 Thanks: 39 Thanked 148 Times in 65 Posts	Thanks Looking at it now amended, this really only effects out of state registered craft. NH bow numbers will not have to display an additional sticker. So if someone from ME or MA comes to the lake they will have to get this sticker to go beside their MA1234 Bow #'s. I also saw that the rental agent bill made it through the House and on to the Senate. I especially like that one, its about time rental agents were made more accountable. IMO

04-12-2007, 08:10 PM	#21
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,827 Thanks: 1,017 Thanked 881 Times in 515 Posts	Kind of funny I find this bill very interesting. You would think that in a state where the tourists are extremely important to the enconomy they would try to do things to entice people to come and visit. Not that I think many people will be detered from coming to NH because of this extra fee.... but it may stop some..... Another issue here I see, is that if the state expects out of staters to pay a fee to go boating, then the state better start making improvements in both the availability and conditions of public ramps.... After growing up out west where there where always nice ramps and docking facilities for the general public at lakes and rivers, I find that the facilities all over the northeast are poor, and if a state like NH wants out of state boater to pay a fee to use it lakes, it needs to also provide the facilities for people to do so.... I know they are working on this, on many lakes..... but if they want to pass a bill like this they need to hasten thier efforts.... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

04-12-2007, 09:17 PM	#22
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	Back in the 70's NH had something called a "Commuter Tax". NH imposed a tax on Mass and Maine residents (and anyone else) that commuted to work in NH but lived out of state. As I recall it was ruled an illegal tax because it was imposed on one group of people (out of state residents) but not another (in state residents who worked out of state.) So how would this be different? If out of state boaters are required to purchase a decal to boat in NH and that decal was made available to an in state boater for free. Given that registrations are reciprocal between states how would this be legal? It would be like saying to MA, ME, VT, NY drivers you need to pay a fee (beyond those obnoxious tolls that hit everyone) to drive in NH but NH registered vehicles do not have to pay the additional fee. I have both a NH and MA registered boat. So I am not qualified in one, but I am in the other? Lawyers are going to make a killing!

04-13-2007, 07:37 AM	#23
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,949 Thanks: 80 Thanked 969 Times in 432 Posts	Its no different than Maine requiring out-of-state boaters to purchase a "Milfoil" sticker... In fact ALOT of states charge different fees to boat on thier state waters. Lake George NY has an access fee. I am sure its very much allowed Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

04-13-2007, 08:00 AM	#24
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,827 Thanks: 1,017 Thanked 881 Times in 515 Posts	Wording It is all in the wording.... if NH (or Maine, or NY) made out of staters Register boats then it would be a problem....but why if they call it an "Milfoil fee" or "education fee" then I am sure it slides through the loop holes..... Now do I think it is right....hell no.... why someone may ask.... because what is next..... not necessarily a "commuter tax" but gezzz what about a "education sticker" for an automobile to make sure out of staters know any state specific driving rules.... There is a slippery slope here... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

04-12-2007, 12:24 PM	#27
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,949 Thanks: 80 Thanked 969 Times in 432 Posts	I am pretty sure the bill is for non NH registered boats.... very similar in scope to what Maine requires for out-of-state boaters. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.