Bill > HB696

This bill amends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code to provide fee waivers for certain resident first responders across multiple licensing and entrance fee contexts. Specifically, the bill defines first responders as firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, municipal police officers, sheriff's deputies, and constables, and offers fee waivers for those who have either completed 20 years of continuous service or have a service-related disability involving loss of lower extremity use or a disability rating of 50 percent or more. These waivers apply to state park entrance fees, hunting and fishing license fees, and annual combination resident hunting and fishing licenses. To qualify, a first responder must be a resident of Texas, which is defined as someone who has lived in the state continuously for more than six months or meets certain other residency criteria. The changes will only apply to licenses and fees issued on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, and the Parks and Wildlife Department is not required to issue refunds for licenses issued before that date. The bill aims to provide recognition and support for long-serving and disabled first responders by reducing financial barriers to recreational activities.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB696