Committee Approves Bills to Expand Military License Sales

All retailers would be allowed to sell reduced cost fishing/hunting licenses

The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee today unanimously approved legislation that would make it easier for active-duty military personnel to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at a reduced cost, according to Committee Chairman Chuck McIlhinney (R-10).

Senators Bob Regola (R-39) and Bob Robbins (R-50) are the prime sponsors of Senate Bills 1256 and 1257 which would amend the Game and Fish Codes by allowing all hunting and fishing license retailers to sell special reduced-cost hunting or fishing licenses for active duty military, National Guard, and Reserve personnel. Currently, the special licenses, sold for $1.00, are available only at the Game Commission, the Fish & Boat Commission, and county Treasurer offices. The cost of a resident adult hunting license is $20 and $22 for a resident fishing license.

"Our men and women on active duty endure great hardships to protect our freedom and they deserve our deepest appreciation for their service," McIlhinney said. "The least we can do is give them a chance to enjoy our state's abundant natural resources at a greatly reduced cost."

Senator Regola, a member of the Game & Fisheries Committee, said the intent of the legislation is to make it easier for service members to enjoy these recreational activities.

"The intent is to reduce the bureaucracy currently associated with the process and make these licenses more easily available for military personnel who are on limited leave from duty -- particularly during the holidays when government offices are typically closed," said Senator Regola. "We are simply allowing the sales of these discounted licenses by any issuing agent, such as retail stores."

Senator Robbins, Vice Chairman of the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee and a member of the Game & Fisheries Committee, said increasing the availability of the licenses is a way Pennsylvania can express gratitude to its military personnel.

"I am pleased that the Game and Fisheries Committee expeditiously reviewed and reported out these bills. The truth is, our men and women in uniform are on duty 24-7 in the defense of freedom around the world," said Senator Robbins. "It is only fair that we take every possible step to ensure that they have the opportunity to relax and have fun when they come home on leave."

Contact:

Heather Cevasco (Senator McIlhinney) (717) 787-7305
Nathan Silcox (Senator Regola) (717) 787-6063
Mike Hengst (Senator Robbins) (717) 787-1322