HCS HB 1670 -- RENEWAL OF HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES

SPONSOR:  Jackson (Portwood)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Homeland
Security and Veterans Affairs by a vote of 16 to 0.

This substitute entitles all military personnel who served in
Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom who are Missouri residents to
receive free renewal of their hunting and fishing licenses from
the Department of Conservation.  The free renewal will apply to
the year subsequent to the last year of service.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that members of the Missouri Guard
and reservists who are stationed in Iraq are avid sportsmen and
women who will lose their hunting and fishing privileges as a
result of serving in the Iraq war.  Supporters state that
extending this benefit to Missouri military personnel will
acknowledge their service and sacrifice as members of the United
States Armed Forces.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Portwood.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say the Congressional
Sportsman's Caucus has requested that states pass similar
legislation in honor of the service of men and women in the
United States Armed Forces.  However, if the bill passes,
Missouri will receive a reduction in permit fees and the federal
reimbursements for Missourians who purchase a hunting and fishing
license.

Others testifying on the bill was Department of Conservation.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:16 am