SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5087

BYSenators Bender, Warnke, Rasmussen, Vognild, Owen and Conner

Dealing with game and game fish.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 23, 1989; January 31, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5087 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen.

Senate Staff:John Korvell (786-7473)

                  February 16, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, JANUARY 31, 1989

BACKGROUND:

All veterans age 65 or older, who are honorably discharged, and have a service related disability may receive free hunting and fishing licenses.  They must have been a resident of Washington State for the past five years.

SUMMARY:

Two groups of disabled veterans may receive free hunting and fishing licenses.

Honorably discharged disabled veterans who are age 65 or older when this becomes effective may apply for a free hunting and fishing license.  They must have been a resident of the state for the five years previous to the effective date.

An honorably discharged veteran who, by the Veterans Administration's examination, is found over 29 percent permanently disabled from service-related injuries, shall receive upon application a free permanent hunting and fishing license.  There is no age or residency qualification for this group of veterans.

All disabled veterans who apply for free licenses must provide VA documents verifying their disability.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Technical wording was revised.  Veterans age 65 or older now have a residency requirement and a need to show Veterans Administration certification of disability.  These two requirements are now the same as the under age 65 group of veterans. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: PRO:  John M. Libby, Washington Veterans of Foreign Wars;  CON:  Jenene Fenton (WDW)