The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to provide fee waivers for certain hunting and fishing licenses specifically for honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed services and qualified veterans with disabilities. The commission is mandated to waive fees for these veterans, as well as for residents under 17 years old or 65 years and older, and those participating in department-sponsored events. Notably, the bill removes the previous provision that allowed fee waivers for residents on active duty in the military.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that specifically waives the fee for an annual combination hunting and fishing license for honorably discharged veterans. The changes will apply only to licenses issued on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, and any licenses issued prior will remain governed by the previous law without the requirement for refunds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 42.012, Parks and Wildlife Code 46.004, Parks and Wildlife Code 50.002 (Parks and Wildlife Code 50, Parks and Wildlife Code 46, Parks and Wildlife Code 42)