Allows veterans of the armed forces of the United States to fish for free in state parks under the jurisdiction of a state agency.
Summary
This bill would amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law to require the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and any other state agency operating state parks, to allow eligible veterans to fish for free in state parks. The bill defines eligible veterans by reference to the Veterans’ Services Law, including veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, veterans with a qualifying condition, and discharged LGBT veterans meeting the statutory discharge requirements.
The measure also directs the office to adopt any rules and regulations needed to implement the free-fishing benefit. It would take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for any necessary regulatory changes before the effective date.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a new statutory exemption from fishing fees or permit requirements for qualifying veterans at state parks under state agency jurisdiction. It would add a new section 13.32 to the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law and could require park administrators to adjust licensing, enforcement, and visitor-access procedures to accommodate the free-fishing benefit. The bill primarily affects veterans, state park operators, and the agencies responsible for managing park recreation rules.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the available context, the measure appears broadly supportive of veterans and framed as a benefit or recognition for military service. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so no formal opposition or support is documented here. The caption and sponsor’s framing suggest a positive, pro-veteran intent with a straightforward recreational benefit.
Contention
The main policy issue is the scope of the benefit: the bill limits free fishing to people who meet the statutory definition of veteran in the Veterans’ Services Law, which includes specific discharge-status requirements and certain categories such as qualifying-condition veterans and discharged LGBT veterans. Any contention would likely center on administrative implementation, eligibility verification, and whether the benefit should apply only in state parks versus broader public waters, but no explicit objections are included in the provided record.
Relates to certificates of honorable separation from or service in the armed forces of the United States; provides that such certificates shall be forwarded to the appropriate local veterans' service agency within 60 days of receipt.
Relates to certificates of honorable separation from or service in the armed forces of the United States; provides that such certificates shall be forwarded to the appropriate local veterans' service agency within 60 days of receipt.
Creates a distinctive license plate for veterans honoring Borinqueneers; defines "veteran" as a person who is a resident of this state, who served in the armed forces of the United States, and was honorably discharged from the armed forces, or has a qualifying condition, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service, or is a discharged LGBT veteran, as defined in section one of the veterans' services law, and has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from such service.
Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.
Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.
To Modernize References To The United States Armed Forces; And To Amend Armed Forces And Uniformed Services Listings To Include The United States Space Force.