House Bill No. 2896 amends existing laws regarding lifetime fishing and combination hunting and fishing licenses in Oklahoma. The bill introduces lifetime licenses for nonresidents, establishing specific requirements for eligibility, including ownership of a minimum of 160 acres of land in Oklahoma for at least one year and proof of property tax payment. The fees for these nonresident licenses are set significantly higher than those for residents, with a lifetime fishing license costing $3,000 and a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license costing $7,500. Additionally, the bill outlines reduced fees for senior citizens and disabled veterans.

The bill also clarifies that both residents and nonresidents can purchase lifetime licenses, with specific provisions for veterans. It includes a provision for issuing duplicate licenses for a fee and ensures that license privileges are retained despite changes in residency. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is tasked with promulgating necessary rules to implement these changes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and an emergency clause is included to expedite its implementation.