DISABLED VETERAN HUNTING/FISHING LIC.                                            H.B. 5292 (S-1):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

House Bill 5292 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Representative Holly Hughes

House Committee:  Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

Senate Committee:  Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 435 (Hunting and Fishing Licensing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow a disabled veteran to obtain a hunting or fishing license free of charge.

Currently, a disabled veteran is eligible to purchase any senior hunting and/or senior fishing license.  Under Part 435, a Michigan resident who is at least 65 years old may obtain a senior restricted fishing license or a senior all-species fishing license for a fee that is discounted 60% from the fee for a resident license.  In addition, a resident who is at least 65 years old may obtain a senior small game license, firearm deer license, bow and arrow deer license, bear hunting license, wild turkey hunting license, or fur harvester's license.  The fee for a senior hunting license also is discounted 60% from the regular license fee.

Under the bill, a disabled veteran could obtain any resident hunting or fishing license free of charge, instead of purchasing a senior hunting and/or fishing license.

The bill would take effect on March 1, 2013.

MCL 324.43537                                                             Legislative Analyst:  Julie Cassidy

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a small, but negative fiscal impact on the Department of Natural Resources.  Allowing disabled veterans to obtain hunting and fishing licenses under Part 435 for free would result in the loss of an unknown but likely small amount of license fee revenue to the Game and Fish Protection Fund and its various subfunds.  In fiscal year 2010-11, the Game and Fish Protection Fund received approximately $44.0 million from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.  Revenue from the Fund is used for Department of Natural Resources administration and wildlife programs, and as State match for Federal revenue.

Date Completed:  8-16-12                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.