North Carolina senator introduces measure to suspend new coastal fishing rules

A bill introduced by Sen. Bobby Hanig in the North Carolina Senate would pause the implementation of new regulatory measures impacting the seafood industry and recreational fishing in the state’s coastal waters, as reported by the North Carolina State Senate.

Labeled SB 1065 and filed on April 30 as part of the 2025 regular session, the legislation’s short title is: ‘Moratorium on New Coastal Fishing Regulations.’

We have provided a summary below, informed by the actual bill text, with clarifications for better understanding of its provisions.

This bill would enact a moratorium, starting upon enactment and continuing through Jan. 1, 2037, on any new or increased state regulatory limitations affecting the seafood industry or recreational fishing in coastal waters. It would revert recreational regulations to those enforced as of Jan. 1, 2019, and prohibit quota
reallocations between recreational and commercial fisheries. The measure features limited exceptions in cases of federal mandates or emergencies and permits judicial review and attorney fees. It also requires twice-yearly reports from the Division of Marine Fisheries regarding implementation of North Carolina Collaboratory study recommendations, funded by a single allocation of $10,000 effective July 1, 2026, and formally reinstates the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture to oversee policy studies and guidance in those industries.

Among both sponsors, Hanig introduced more pieces of legislation (63) in the 2025 regular session than any other sponsor of this bill.

The process for legislation in North Carolina follows a series of required steps before final passage. Legislation is filed by a lawmaker, then referred to committee for evalution, and must be read three times in both chambers. If changes arise after passage, both chambers must accept a unifed version. Once approved by both chambers, the bill is presented to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 days if not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a formal signature.

Additional information about active bills and legislative actions can be found here.

Hanig, a Republican, won election to the North Carolina Senate in 2025 to represent the 1st Senate district and succeeded former state senator Norman Sanderson.