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Committee advances bill raising residency requirement for lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to five years
Summary
H 855 passed out of committee on a do-pass recommendation after testimony from IDFG that the change would curb short-term moves to obtain lifetime licenses; the committee discussed verification and fairness to prior purchasers.
The Senate Resources & Environment Committee voted to send H 855 (Fish and Game) to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. Representative Petzke said the bill changes the residency requirement to buy a lifetime hunting or fishing license from six months to five years.
Ellery TuckerWilliams, Legislative and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, testified in favor and said the bill "addressed concerns about individuals moving to Idaho for a short period with the intent of obtaining residency to purchase a lifetime hunting or fishing license," noting that IDFG's shift from over-the-counter deer and elk tags to a non-resident draw had increased those concerns.
Committee members asked technical questions about verification. Vice Chairman Hart asked how residency would be verified; Ms. TuckerWilliams said "an Idaho hunting and fishing lifetime license had to be activated every year, so anytime someone activated their lifetime license certificate, IDFG verified their residency." Chairman Burtenshaw asked whether a license was reissued annually and was told activation is required each year. Representative Petzke added that lifetime-license holders see a significant cost savings because they do not have to buy annual nonresident licenses.
Senator Kohl asked whether it would be feasible to revoke a previously issued lifetime license if an owner moved out of state; Representative Petzke said it would be unfair to revoke licenses purchased under an earlier rule and suggested grandfathering or other future changes could be considered. Senator Taylor moved the do-pass recommendation and Senator Cook seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. Senator Kohl asked to be recorded as voting nay.
The bill will proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.
