AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- LOBSTERS AND OTHER CRUSTACEANS -- BLUE CRABS

HB 5608 removes all regulatory limits on harvesting blue crabs in the state, directly affecting commercial and recreational crab harvesters. The bill eliminates existing rules, quotas, or restrictions on blue crab harvesting while maintaining that only state residents may harvest them. Key provisions replace current regulations with a simple statement: "There shall be no limit, rules or regulations, restricting the harvesting of blue crabs." The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, with no new restrictions on crab harvesting beyond the residency requirement.