Allows certain disabled persons to fish without a license

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to allowing certain disabled persons to take fish without a license

Purpose

To allow disabled citizens to fish without having to pay for a fishing license.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends Section Environmental Conservation law Section 11-0707 to permit the disabled to fish without having to pay for a fishing license. A definition of "disabled" is included so that persons must have an impairment of severity and duration to receive social security benefits.

Justification

Fishing can be an enjoyable recreational activity for people of all ages. Unfortunately, often due to a lack of income, people with disabilities do not take advantage of the many great fishing venues located in New York State. People with disabilities should be encouraged to take up fishing, and waiving the fishing license fee for these citizens will provide this necessary encouragement.

Many individuals who are disabled have low fixed incomes, therefore, it is difficult for such persons to afford such licenses without eliminating other essential items, such as food and adequate shelter. For disabled persons who have developmental disabilities or a mental illness, the activity of fishing has been noted by psychologists, therapists, and social workers as a low cost activity that such disabled persons can enjoy and is therapeutic for such persons and the families of such persons. This bill provides a low cost and easy avenue that psychologist, therapists, and social workers can advise their clients and patients to pursue to become more active and connected with their community, both mentally and physically.

Legislative history

A.5309 of 2007-08

Fiscal implications

Negligible.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.