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Growers warn DOI fee increases could crush small shellfish farms; committee hears HB 2737 discussion
Summary
Representative Birnbaum and industry witnesses told the House Ag & Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 18 that Department of Health fee rulemaking raising commercial shellfish licensing and biotoxin fees could be financially devastating to small growers and processors; DOH said 50% of a new schedule took effect Feb. 1 and further increases are slated for July 1, 2026. The bill seeks to cap fees and is not eligible to advance this session (policy cutoff).
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 18 took public testimony on House Bill 2737 after policy cutoff to address a dispute over Department of Health fee increases for the commercial shellfish regulatory program. Representative Birnbaum, prime sponsor, said a green report considered full cost recovery but recommended a more moderate alternative; HB 2737 would cap certain fees and apply that cap retroactively to fees set on or before Feb. 1, 2026. The committee was advised the bill cannot be advanced this session but that the issue merited public discussion.
Lauren Jenks, assistant secretary for environmental public health…
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