An Act to amend 29.563 (3) (a) 2., 29.563 (6m) (a) and 29.563 (14) (c) 7.; to create 20.855 (4) (eg) and 25.29 (1) (g) of the statutes; Relating to: eliminating the fee for an annual fishing license issued to a resident senior citizen and making an appropriation. (FE)
Summary
AB1172 would make annual fishing licenses free for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or older. Under current law, a resident senior citizen pays a $6.25 license fee plus a $0.75 issuing fee; the bill reduces the license fee to $0 and eliminates the issuing fee for that license category. It also makes conforming changes to the statutes governing fishing license fees and issuing fees.
To replace the lost revenue to the conservation fund, the bill creates a new annual transfer from the general fund to the conservation fund. The transfer would equal $7 multiplied by the number of annual fishing licenses issued to resident senior citizens in that fiscal year. The bill also creates a new appropriation mechanism to ensure the conservation fund is reimbursed for the waived fees.
Impact
The bill would amend Wisconsin statutes in chapter 29 governing fishing license fees and issuing fees, and it would create new provisions in chapters 20 and 25 to authorize a general fund transfer to the conservation fund. In practical terms, it shifts the cost of senior fishing licenses from individual senior anglers to the state’s general fund while preserving revenue for conservation purposes. The affected parties are resident senior citizens who purchase annual fishing licenses, the Department of Natural Resources licensing system, and the conservation fund.
Sentiment
The available record shows little direct debate or recorded voting activity, so there is no clear evidence of controversy in the provided materials. The bill’s purpose is straightforward and targeted, suggesting a generally favorable policy framing for seniors and recreational fishing access. Because the bill had only received a fiscal estimate and had not yet advanced through committee votes in the provided history, sentiment appears neutral to positive but not fully developed in the legislative record shown.
Contention
The main policy issue is fiscal rather than ideological: the bill waives a user fee for senior anglers but requires the state to make the conservation fund whole through a general fund transfer. Support would likely come from senior advocates, anglers, and proponents of reduced fees for older residents, while any concern would likely center on the state budget impact and whether general taxpayers should subsidize the license cost. No specific opponents or committee objections are identified in the provided transcripts or votes.
An Act Making Appropriations For Certain Grants-in-aid For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2026; Specifying Certain Procedures, Conditions And Limitations For The Expenditure Of Such Funds; Amending The Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act; Amending The Fiscal Year 2026 One-time Supplemental Appropriations Act; And Amending Certain Statutory Provisions.
In fishing licenses, providing for active duty military fishing reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual fishing license reciprocity; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, providing for active duty military hunting reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual hunting license reciprocity.