SENATE BILL REPORT

                           EHB 2292

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

Brief Description:  Providing free hunting licenses to veterans who are confined to wheelchairs.

SPONSORS: Representatives Conway, Basich, Kremen, Rayburn, Orr, Lisk, Dyer, Sheahan, King, Chappell, Johanson, Sheldon, Flemming, Jones, Eide, Schoesler, Campbell, Long, Roland, Chandler and Kessler

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar, L. Smith, Snyder and Spanel.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:  February 22, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Under RCW 77.32.230, the state Department of Wildlife issues a free hunting and game fishing license on request to any honorably discharged veteran age 65 or older, with a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or by any branch of the armed forces of the United States, and with state residency of at least five years.

Disabled veterans under 65 do not qualify for free hunting licenses; neither do disabled veterans of any age whose disability is non-service-connected.  

SUMMARY:

A free hunting license shall be issued on request to any honorably discharged veteran of any age who is confined to a wheelchair and has resided in the state at least five years.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

Disabled veterans who are confined to a wheelchair should receive a free hunting license.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Glenn A. Galbreath, NWPVA (pro); Lesley Brines, WDW; Keith Sherman, Vets Legislative Coalition (pro)