Bill Text: DE SB265 | 2013-2014 | 147th General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: An Act To Amend Title 7 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Surf Fishing.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-06-26 - Assigned to Natural Resources & Environmental Control Committee in Senate [SB265 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2013-SB265-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:	Sen. McBride (By Request)

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE BILL NO. 265

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SURF FISHING.

WHEREAS the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control prohibits vehicles parking on Delaware Beach Parks unless the drivers are actively surf fishing; and

WHEREAS the optimum surf fishing seasons are fall and spring; and

WHEREAS the summer months bring many vehicles to the beach with families and small children; and

WHEREAS the surf fishing with hooks, bait, weights and lines is not compatible with many people including small children playing and swimming amidst the surf fishing equipment and activity; and

WHEREAS surf fishers and beach goers should share this wonderful resource, our beaches, for everyone to enjoy safely.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1.Amend Chapter 47, Title 7 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 4701 Powers and duties.

(f) The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control shall not require active surf fishing for vehicles parking on Delaware beach parks from and including Memorial Day up to and including Labor Day.

SYNOPSIS

Currently, to drive and park on Delaware beaches, a vehicle must have a permit and the operator must be actively engaged in surf fishing. This bill gives permit holders the option to not engage in surf fishing for safety reasons, but only during the summer months. These months usually have many children who are more interested in playing in the surf than in fishing. Permits would still be required and surf fishing would still be allowed during the summer months.

Author: Senator McBride