Bill > A06052

This bill amends the New York State environmental conservation law to provide free lifetime hunting, fishing, trapping, archery, and muzzle-loading licenses to certain categories of veterans. Specifically, the bill eliminates the standard fees for these licenses for New York state residents who: (a) have been honorably discharged from the United States armed forces, (b) have a qualifying condition as defined in the veterans' services law and received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable, or (c) are discharged LGBT veterans with a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable and are certified as having a 40% or greater service-connected disability. Previously, these lifetime licenses had varying costs ranging from $65 to $765 depending on the type of license and the age of the purchaser. By changing the fee to $0.00 for these specified veteran categories, the bill aims to provide a no-cost recreational licensing option as a form of recognition and benefit for veterans who have served the country. The changes will take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6052