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Hearing held on HB1147 to expand $3 veteran license eligibility to 50% service‑connected disability
Summary
Representative Johnston introduced HB1147 to allow veterans with a 50% or greater service‑connected disability to purchase a $3 general game and habitat license. The Game and Fish Department provided neutral background and issued counts on existing veteran licenses; no committee action was taken today.
BISMARCK — House Bill 1147, introduced by Representative Johnston, would expand eligibility for the $3 general game and habitat license to veterans who are 50% or more service‑connected disabled.
Johnston said the bill aims to address a gap he learned about from a constituent who did not qualify under the current 100% standard. Scott Peterson of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department said the agency does not oppose the bill and provided existing counts: in 2024 the department issued 391 veteran fishing licenses and 258 combined general game/habitat/small‑game/furbearer licenses (the latter commonly issued under 100% disability assumptions). Peterson noted administrative constraints and suggested the committee consider whether to combine authorities but said hunter education rules complicate consolidation.
The committee closed the hearing after receiving background information and questions; no vote was taken during this session.
