Ohio House lowers age for senior hunting and fishing discounts from 66 to 65

The Ohio House of Representatives approved House Bill 64 on March 4, 2025, lowering the eligibility age for discounted hunting and fishing licenses from 66 to 65 for Ohio residents. The clerk recorded 96 affirmative votes and 0 negative votes.

Representative Dave Thomas, the bill’s sponsor, said the change corrects an inconsistency in Ohio law and brings the hunting and fishing discount in line with other senior discounts. “It’s not an earth shattering bill. It’s pretty simple,” Thomas said on the floor, adding that he was prompted to act after a constituent who turned 65 discovered the age mismatch.

Representative Dieter, a joint sponsor, said the measure brings financial relief to older Ohioans by making discounts available one year earlier and noted license fee reductions mentioned during debate. “We want our grandparents, who are raising and or spending time with their grandchildren to remain active by encouraging these activities sooner,” Dieter said, and urged a yes vote.

Representative Callender asked whether it was the sponsors’ first bill on the floor; Thomas replied that it was his second and Dieter said it was his first. Representative Rogers and Representative Don Jones both spoke in favor, with Jones noting a plan to raise nonresident license fees to offset revenue changes discussed during committee consideration.

The House proceeded to a recorded vote; the clerk reported 96 affirmative votes and 0 negative votes. The transcript contains no floor amendments or a detailed fiscal note on the record; sponsors referenced ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) participation during committee review.

The measure passed and the title was agreed to without objection.