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House moves to repeal option to purchase new lifetime hunting licenses amid conservation concerns
Summary
Representative Bodley introduced HB 361 to repeal the ability to buy new lifetime hunting licenses after a recent spike in sales; members said the repeal responds to equity and wildlife‑management concerns and the House passed the measure 68‑0.
Representative Bodley presented House Bill 361, which would repeal the option to purchase new lifetime hunting licenses after Wildlife Resources indicated growing sales had created equity issues and could limit access if permits are constrained. Bodley said approximately 1,300 lifetime licenses had been issued previously; recent weeks saw comparable sales volume to the prior decade.
Supporters argued the change responds to wildlife population management and fairness: critics said the license option allowed those with resources to secure disproportionate access. The sponsor said existing lifetime licenses would remain valid but the bill would remove the option to buy new lifetime permits going forward; if the Legislature and the Senate secure two‑thirds votes, the measure could take effect immediately on the governor’s signature.
The House voted and the reading clerk announced that House Bill 361 received 68 yes votes and 0 no votes; the measure was referred to the Senate.
