House Bill No. 2896 amends existing laws regarding lifetime fishing and combination hunting and fishing licenses in Oklahoma. The bill introduces lifetime nonresident licenses, establishing specific requirements and fees for both residents and nonresidents. For residents, the fees are set at $375 for a lifetime fishing license and $1,024 for a lifetime combination license, with reduced rates for senior citizens. Nonresidents will pay significantly higher fees, with a lifetime fishing license costing $3,000 and a combination license $7,500. Additionally, the bill allows disabled veterans to purchase a discounted lifetime combination license based on their disability rating.
The bill also outlines specific eligibility criteria for nonresidents wishing to obtain these licenses, including ownership of a minimum of 160 acres of land for at least one year and proof of property tax payment. Other provisions include the issuance of duplicate licenses for a nominal fee and the assurance that license privileges will not be lost due to a change in residency. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.