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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
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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.