SB1518 amends the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code to expand the existing veteran discount for fishing licenses. The bill provides that resident veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves who received an Honorable Discharge or General Discharge would pay one-half of the normal fee for a lifetime fishing license. It also directs the Department of Natural Resources to determine, by rule, what documentation counts as suitable verification of service for purposes of issuing the discounted license.
The bill also makes conforming and technical changes within Section 20-45 of the Code. The underlying section already contains reduced-fee fishing, 3-year fishing, sportsmen’s combination, and lifetime license provisions for certain residents, including veterans in some categories. SB1518 specifically adds the reduced-fee lifetime fishing license language and clarifies the verification process and acceptable proof of service. It does not alter hunting licenses, commercial fishing licenses, or other license categories beyond related technical updates.
Impact
If enacted, SB1518 would amend Section 20-45 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code to create or clarify a statutory right for qualifying resident veterans to purchase a lifetime fishing license at 50% of the standard lifetime fee. The Department of Natural Resources would be responsible for establishing administrative rules governing proof of service and acceptable documentation, which could include a DD-214 or other military records. The bill would affect resident veterans seeking lifetime fishing privileges and would likely reduce fee revenue deposited into the Fish and Wildlife Endowment Fund for those licenses.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s subject matter, the measure appears to be framed as a veteran benefit and a fee reduction for a recreational license, which typically draws favorable sentiment. The bill’s caption and text suggest a straightforward, supportive policy aimed at recognizing military service.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided context. Potential issues implied by the text are administrative rather than ideological: how the Department of Natural Resources will define acceptable verification, which discharge statuses qualify, and whether the reduced fee should apply only to resident veterans with Honorable or General Discharges. Another possible concern is the fiscal effect of lowering lifetime license fees, though no fiscal note or opposition is included here.
Natural resources: hunting; lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for veterans; provide for. Amends secs. 44101, 44103, 44104, 44105 & 44106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.44101 et seq.). & adds sec. 44102a.
Natural resources: hunting; lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for veterans; provide for. Amends secs. 44101, 44103, 44104, 44105 & 44106 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL324.44101 et seq.) & adds sec. 44102a.