LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan lawmakers are pushing new legislation that would grant disabled veterans access to lifetime hunting and fishing licenses at reduced costs — or even free — depending on their disability rating.
Senate Bill 821 and House Bill 5687 would establish a tiered pricing system that aligns the cost of a lifetime license with the severity of a veteran’s service-connected disability.
Saying “thank you.”
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Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) and Sen. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell) introduced the legislation. They say the measure is a way for the state to recognize the sacrifices made by those who served in the military.
“The veterans of our nation’s armed forces have given so much for the protection of our freedoms,” Frisbie said. “The ability for us to say ‘thank you’ to these brave men and women by reducing burdensome fees is the least we can do.”
The state already provides free annual hunting to veterans with a 100% disability. Under the new proposal, disabled veterans could obtain a lifetime hunting license at the following costs:
- $50 for veterans rated 70% to 99% disabled.
- $75 for veterans rated 50% to 69% disabled.
- $100 for veterans rated 30% to 49% disabled.
Each license would include all the privileges of a base hunting license, along with authorization for two deer, waterfowl, fur harvester and turkey.
“Recognize the extraordinary sacrifices.”
The same tiered pricing structure would also apply to lifetime, all-species fishing licenses for disabled veterans.
Albert, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said the proposal is intended to ensure Michigan veterans can continue enjoying the state’s outdoor traditions without financial barriers.
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“This bill is a meaningful way to recognize the extraordinary sacrifices made by Michigan’s disabled veterans,” Albert said. “By reducing costs, we are seeking to make hunting and fishing more affordable and accessible for our state’s disabled veterans.”
The legislation must pass both the Michigan House and Senate before it could be sent to the governor for consideration.