Interesting history of the Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Compact

Recently, through phone interviews with retired chiefs and colonels from various conservation law enforcement agencies in the northeast, I have learned how the Northeast Conservation law Enforcement Compact was received when introduced in state legislatures upon its completion in 1991.

New Hampshire, Connecticut and Pennsylvania reacted quickly by introducing the Compact in the legislature and passing it into law shortly after its completion. Other states however didn't view the Compact as favorably. In Massachusetts, the Compact was introduced in 1991 and 1992, and was rejected both times. In Rhode Island, the legislature decided they would only consider passing the Compact into law if the states contiguous to Rhode Island (Connecticut and Massachusetts) also passed the Compact into law. Since Massachusetts denied the Compact, the Rhode Island legislature has stood firm in not passing the Compact. In Maine, the Bureau of Warden Service decided to wait and see how many other states would introduce the Compact in the legislature before acting. Since the Compact was only passed by three states in 1991, and still remains unpassed in all other states, Maine has never attempted to introduce the Compact in the legislature.

Various reasons exist as to why the Compact has remained unpassed in the remaining 8 northeastern states that helped draft the Compact. Pressure from sportsmen's groups, as well as political figures, may have hindered the success of the Compact. I am currently researching the legislative history of the Compact when it was introduced as a bill in state legislatures. Some states don't retain legislative history as far back as 1991, which has complicated my search. I am waiting to hear back from New York, New Jersey and Delaware, and will post new information once I have it.