Ohio House Bill 64 proposes senior discounts for hunting and fishing licenses

In a recent meeting of the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, lawmakers gathered to discuss House Bill 64, known as the Senior Sportsman Fairness Act. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as representatives presented a bill aimed at correcting an outdated policy regarding senior discounts for hunting and fishing licenses.

The bill, which passed the Ohio House with unanimous support, seeks to lower the age for senior discounts from 66 to 65. This change stems from a constituent's disappointment upon discovering that he would have to wait an additional year to receive a discount on his hunting and fishing licenses. Representative Thomas, who sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of making outdoor activities more accessible for seniors, encouraging them to engage with nature and share these experiences with their grandchildren.

Currently, Ohio offers nine discounts for seniors, but the hunting and fishing license discount is uniquely set at age 66, a policy that has remained unchanged since 1913. The committee members expressed curiosity about the historical reasoning behind this age limit, noting that it seems disconnected from modern life expectancy, which has significantly increased since the early 20th century.

The proposed legislation would reduce the cost of a resident hunting license from $25 to $10 for seniors and the fishing license from $25 to $10 as well. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has indicated that this change would result in a modest revenue impact of approximately $300,000, which they are prepared to accommodate due to anticipated increases in revenue from out-of-state license sales.

As the discussion unfolded, committee members acknowledged the bill's potential to foster a greater appreciation for outdoor activities among seniors, highlighting the positive feedback from constituents eager for this change. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the bill's future, as lawmakers recognized the importance of adapting policies to better serve the needs of Ohio's aging population.