The disability rating at which veterans qualify for certain hunting and fishing authorizations and exemptions from state park and trail admission fees. (FE)

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.