New York Senate Bill S01919

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25
• Engrossed: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Engrossed: 2/5/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

Eliminates sporting license fees for honorably discharged, disabled veterans.

Summary

Bill S01919 amends the environmental conservation law to provide free lifetime hunting, fishing, trapping, archery, and muzzle-loading licenses for honorably discharged, disabled veterans in New York State. The bill specifically targets veterans who have a service-connected disability of 40% or greater, as well as those who are LGBT veterans, ensuring they receive these licenses at no cost, thereby promoting inclusivity and recognition of their service.

Impact

The bill will significantly alter the existing licensing fee structure for hunting and fishing in New York State by eliminating fees for eligible veterans. This change is expected to increase participation in outdoor activities among veterans, potentially leading to greater conservation awareness and engagement in environmental stewardship. It will also require adjustments to the state’s budget to accommodate the loss of revenue from these license fees.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S01919 has been overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the voting history where it received unanimous support in committee and on the Senate floor. The discussions indicate a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of supporting veterans, particularly those with disabilities, which has contributed to its favorable reception.

Contention

While there has been broad support for the bill, some points of contention may arise regarding the potential financial implications for the state budget and whether the elimination of fees could lead to increased demand for licenses that may strain resources. However, no significant opposition has been noted in the discussions or votes to date.