SB321

SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, persons who are disabled and receive benefits under certain designated federal and state disability programs are eligible to purchase a fishing or hunting license at a reduced cost. A child who was receiving Social Security benefits as a disabled child, but becomes disqualified for the federal disability benefit based on a change in family circumstances, loses eligibility for a disabled fishing or hunting license.

This bill would specify that the disabled child as discussed above could continue to purchase a disabled fishing or hunting license until the child is age 21.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

Relating to disabled fishing and hunting licenses; to amend Section 9-11-54, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended by Act 2015-455, to further provide for the purchase of disabled fishing and hunting licenses by certain disabled children.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:Section 1. Section 9-11-54 of the Code of Alabama 1975, as amended by Act 2015-455, is amended to read as follows:

§9-11-54.

"(a) Any person who is totally and permanently disabled and receiving disability retirement from a public or private entity, or a disability benefit from the federal Social Security Administration or a child under 21 years of age who previously received a benefit from the Social Security Administration based on disability and family circumstances, but became disqualified for the benefit based on a change of family circumstances, the United States Railroad Retirement, the United States Office of Personnel Management, the Retirement Systems of Alabama, or a unit of federal, state, or local government designated by rule of the department and who has been a bona fide resident of this state for not less than 90 days next preceding the date of application may, upon the payment of an annual license fee as provided in subsection (b), plus an issuance fee of one dollar ($1), procure a special fishing or hunting license in the following manner: The applicant shall file with the person, in the county in which he or she resides, who is duly authorized to issue licenses, an application, stating his or her age, place of residence, post office address, and length of residence in this state. The application shall have attached evidence of the receipt of disability benefits as may be required by rule.

"(b) For purposes of this section, annual license fees shall be as follows:

"(1) Hunting license: five dollars ($5).

"(2) Freshwater fishing license: two dollars ($2).

"(3) Saltwater fishing license: two dollars ($2).

"(c) The annual license and issuance fees provided in this section shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9-11-68.

"(d) The license application process, including, but not limited to, providing proof of residency and disability status, may be established by rule.

"(e)(1)a. A fishing license issued pursuant to this section shall be in lieu of the annual resident fishing license in Section 9-11-53.

"b. A hunting license issued pursuant to this section shall be in lieu of the annual resident hunting license in Section 9-11-44, except for the disabled military veterans hunting license provided in that section.

"c. A saltwater fishing license issued pursuant to this section shall be in lieu of the annual resident saltwater fishing license in Section 9-11-53.1.

"(2) This section does not supersede any additional license or requirement to hunt on state-operated wildlife management areas, as provided in Section 9-11-45 or to hunt migratory waterfowl, as provided in Section 9-11-433.

"(3) An annual resident hunting or freshwater fishing license for a person with a disability shall entitle the license holder to all of the privileges of the wildlife heritage license.

"(f) The issuing officer or authority shall be allowed an issuance fee of one dollar ($1) for each license issued. In counties in which the probate judge or issuing officer is on a fee system, the issuing fee shall be retained by the probate judge or issuing officer, and in a county in which the probate judge or issuing officer is on a salary basis, the issuing fee shall be paid into the county treasury. These licenses shall not be issued by special agents."

Section 2. This act shall become effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Conservation and Natural Resources Department

Game and Fish

Disability

Children

Code Amended