SB 176

This bill establishes a 50 percent disability rating for disabled veterans to

qualify for certain hunting, fishing, and trapping approvals issued by the

Department of Natural Resources and for exemptions from certain admission fees.

Under current law, the qualifying disability rating is either 50 or 70 percent

depending on the approval or exemption.

Under current law generally, a person may not operate a vehicle in a state

forest, state park, or state natural area unless the vehicle has a valid vehicle

admission receipt properly displayed. Current law also authorizes DNR to charge

a fee to enter a state trail. Current law provides that vehicle admission receipts and

state trail passes are not required for a state resident who is a veteran receiving

benefits for disabilities resulting in a 70 percent disability rating. The bill reduces

the qualifying disability rating to 50 percent.

Under current law, DNR issues various hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses,

permits, and tags, referred to collectively as approvals. DNR also issues certain

combination licenses, including conservation patron licenses. A conservation patron

license confers upon the licensee the combined privileges of certain hunting, fishing,

and trapping approvals and the authority to take a motor vehicle into state parks and

certain other areas without a vehicle admission receipt. The bill requires DNR to

issue a conservation patron license at a reduced fee to a state resident who is a

veteran receiving benefits for disabilities resulting in a 50 percent disability rating.

Under current law, no person may fish in the waters of the state without a valid

fishing license or approval authorizing fishing. Current law provides that, upon

application from a state resident who is a veteran receiving benefits for disabilities

resulting in a 70 percent disability rating, DNR must issue the veteran an annual

fishing license for disabled persons at a reduced fee. The bill reduces the qualifying

disability rating to 50 percent.