Bill > HB271

This bill establishes lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for disabled residents of Alabama, allowing eligible individuals to purchase a one-time license instead of renewing an annual one. Beginning with the 2026 license year, individuals who qualify for an annual license under Section 9-11-54 can apply for a lifetime license from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The cost varies based on age: those under 50 will pay fifty dollars ($50) for a lifetime disabled resident hunting license, a lifetime disabled freshwater fishing license, or a lifetime disabled resident saltwater fishing license, while those 50 and older will pay thirty dollars ($30) for the same licenses. Fees collected for hunting and freshwater fishing licenses will go into the Alabama Game and Fish Endowment Fund, and fees for saltwater fishing licenses will go into the Alabama Marine Resources Endowment Fund. The department can also charge a one-dollar ($1) issuance fee for these licenses, and the fees are subject to future adjustments. Applications can be filed with the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and these lifetime licenses are not transferable but grant the same privileges as a wildlife heritage license.