Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Outdoor Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves retroactive hunting-license refunds for mobilized service members
Summary
House Bill 223 allows refunds or reissuance of hunting permits for service members and certain public servants called to duty; sponsor clarified the bill is retroactive to Sept. 11 and the House passed it unanimously.
Representative Steiler presented House Bill 223 to allow people who are called into public service — including members of the armed forces and public health or safety personnel — to obtain refunds or redraw hunting permits they cannot use because of mobilization.
Initially described as a forward-looking fix, the sponsor later corrected the record on the floor and said the bill is retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001. Legislators supporting the bill noted the emotional and practical effect of losing an opportunity for long-drawn hunting permits; one representative recounted losing a once-in-a-lifetime Big Mountain sheep permit while serving in office.
The House voted 70–0 to pass HB223, and sponsors said the measure will allow refunds or reissuance, recognizing mobilized service and public-safety commitments.
Representative Steiler quote: "I was in the legislature several years ago... it's a once-in-a-lifetime permit... I certainly appreciate them to support this bill."
