AB 595

Under current law, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is authorized

to issue a Class A hunting permit to an applicant who is permanently disabled or a

Class B hunting permit to a person who has a temporary disability. Current law

specifies the types of disabilities that qualify an applicant for a Class A or Class B

permit. The permits extend to a holder of a hunting license certain hunting

privileges that are otherwise not granted under the license. Among those privileges

is the privilege to use a crossbow while hunting or to hunt from a stationary vehicle.

When an applicant applies for a Class A or Class B permit, the applicant must

authorize DNR by written release to examine all medical records regarding the

applicant's physical disability in order for DNR to determine whether the applicant

qualifies for the permit.

This bill requires DNR to issue a Class B permit to an applicant who submits

a statement from a licensed physician that the applicant has a physical disability

that restricts mobility or ambulation due to a terminal illness. The bill prohibits

DNR from requiring the applicant to authorize DNR to examine the applicant's

medical records regarding the applicant's physical disability or terminal illness.