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SMAC to reintroduce rule change allowing transfer exceptions for oyster user fees in August draft regulation
Summary
VMRC staff told the Shellfish Management Advisory Committee they plan to include a previously supported exception to oyster user‑fee transfer rules in an August draft regulation to allow commissioner discretion for medical and military hardships and similar family transfers.
Adam (VMRC staff) reintroduced a topic the committee had previously discussed: an exception to the transfer rule for oyster user fees intended to address family transfers and certain hardships.
Adam said the committee had unanimously supported the idea previously and that staff planned to include a related provision in a draft regulation that will be presented in August. The proposed exception would allow the commissioner discretion to grant transfers in cases such as medical or military hardship and to mirror similar exceptions used in other fisheries, Adam said.
Why it matters: several committee members raised the problem that when a license holder dies or is incapacitated and a spouse lacks the three years of harvest required for a straight transfer, current rules can prevent timely family transfers. The proposed regulation is intended to provide a limited, discretionary remedy for such situations.
What the committee directed: members voiced support and requested staff bring the draft regulation for review in August so the committee can comment before the commission considers it.
