The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to establish fee waivers for certain hunting and fishing licenses specifically for honorably discharged veterans who are 65 years old or older. It mandates that the commission waive fees for these veterans, as well as for qualified veterans with disabilities. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement for fee waivers for residents on active duty in the military, thereby focusing the benefits on older veterans and those with disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new provision that specifically waives the fee for an annual combination hunting and fishing license for honorably discharged veterans aged 65 and older. 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 under the previous law without the possibility of 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 42, Parks and Wildlife Code 46, Parks and Wildlife Code 50)