Decreases certain hunting fees for non-resident disabled veterans

1 Co-sponsor

• Patrick M. Gallivan

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to decreasing certain hunting fees for non-resident disabled veterans

Purpose or general idea of bill

To reduce the hunting and fishing fees for nonresident disabled veterans

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1- amends paragraph b of subdivision 3 of section 11-0715 of the Environmental Conservation Law to add a new category of nonresident disabled veteran hunting license, and provide for a fee of $5, a new category of nonresident disabled veteran fishing license and provide for a fee of $5 and a new category of nonresident disabled veteran bowhunting and provide for a fee of $4.

Section 2 - provides that the act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Currently, resident veterans with disability of 40% or more can obtain a hunting license for $5, and their fishing and trapping licenses will be free. Churches and other volunteer organizations have been arranging hunting trips for groups of similarly disabled veterans from out of state as a recreational opportunity for these individuals who have sacrificed so much for our country, only to face the substantial fees associated with regular nonresident hunting licenses. This bill honors our disabled veterans, and will also serve to bring in more recreational business to our rural communities by encouraging disabled veterans, and their families, to visit our state.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

Nominal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.