HB 64: Senior Hunting and Fishing License Age Reduction

Executive Summary:

Ohio House Bill No. 64 proposes to amend sections of the Ohio Revised Code (specifically 1533.10, 1533.11, 1533.111, 1533.32, and 1533.321) to lower the age requirement for Ohio residents to qualify for discounted senior hunting and fishing licenses and permits. Currently, residents aged 66 and older are eligible for these discounts. This bill seeks to reduce that age to 65 and older. The bill outlines the specific sections of the law that would be modified to reflect this change.

Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Lowering the Age for Senior Discounts: The central theme of HB 64 is to expand eligibility for discounted hunting and fishing licenses and permits to a larger segment of Ohio’s senior population. The bill explicitly states its purpose: “To amend sections 1533.10, 1533.11, 1533.111, 1533.32, and 1533.321 of the Revised Code to allow Ohio residents who are 65 and up, instead of 66 and up, to qualify for discounted hunting and fishing licenses and permits.”
2. Affected License and Permit Types: The bill targets several types of licenses and permits, including:

• Hunting Licenses: Section 1533.10 is amended to redefine “Senior” for hunting license purposes: “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a license.” This change impacts the “Senior hunting license – resident” and “Apprentice senior hunting license – resident” fees, which are listed at $9.00.
• Deer and Wild Turkey Permits: Section 1533.11 is amended similarly, defining “Senior” for deer and wild turkey permits as: “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a permit.” This affects the “Senior deer permit – resident” ($11.00) and “Senior wild turkey permit – resident” ($11.00) fees.
• Fur Taker Permits: Section 1533.111 is also amended to change the definition of “Senior” for fur taker permits: “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a permit.” This impacts the “Senior fur taker permit – resident only” and “Apprentice senior fur taker permit – resident only” fees, both listed at $7.00.
• Fishing Licenses: Section 1533.32 is amended to redefine “Senior” for annual fishing licenses: “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a license.” This affects the “Annual senior fishing license – resident” fee of $9.00.
• Multi-Year and Lifetime Licenses: Section 1533.321, which covers multi-year and lifetime licenses, is also amended. The definition of “Senior” within this section is changed to: “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a license.” This adjustment applies to the “Senior 3-year fishing license” ($26.00), “Senior 5-year fishing license” ($43.34), “Senior lifetime fishing license” ($81.00), “Senior 3-year hunting license” ($26.00), “Senior 5-year hunting license” ($43.34), and “Senior lifetime hunting license” ($81.00).

1. No Changes to Fee Amounts: The bill solely focuses on the age eligibility for the discounted senior rates. The actual fee amounts for these senior licenses and permits remain the same as currently stipulated in the Revised Code.
2. Technical Amendments: The bill consists primarily of amending the existing language within the specified sections of the Revised Code by striking out “sixty-six” and inserting “sixty-five”. This indicates a direct and singular focus on this age change.
3. Effective Date: The bill does not specify an effective date within the provided excerpts. However, being introduced in the 136th General Assembly for the 2025-2026 Regular Session suggests it would likely be considered for implementation during that period if passed.
4. Sponsors and Cosponsors: The bill is sponsored by Representatives Thomas, D., and Deeter, with a list of cosponsors including Representatives Bird, Lear, Lorenz, Stewart, Glassburn, Troy, Jones, Gross, Salvo, Miller, J., Williams, Miller, K., Dean, John, Hiner, Johnson, Sigrist, Kishman, Miller, M., Robb Blasdel, Klopfenstein, Fowler Arthur, Brennan, Fischer, Richardson, and Mathews, T. This indicates bipartisan support at the introduction stage.
5. Other Licensing Requirements Remain: The bill does not alter any other requirements for obtaining hunting and fishing licenses and permits, such as residency, hunter education courses, or additional permits for specific game. These regulations, outlined in the unamended portions of the cited sections, would continue to apply. For example, Section 1533.10(G)(2) regarding the requirement to present a previously held hunting license or hunter education certificate for regular (non-apprentice) hunting licenses remains unchanged.

Quotes from the Source:

• (Purpose of the Bill): “To amend sections 1533.10, 1533.11, 1533.111, 1533.32, and 1533.321 of the Revised Code to allow Ohio residents who are 65 and up, instead of 66 and up, to qualify for discounted hunting and fishing licenses and permits.” (Page 1)
• (Definition of Senior for Hunting License): “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a license.” (Section 1533.10, Page 3)
• (Senior Hunting License Fee): “I Senior hunting license – resident $9.00” (Section 1533.10, Page 2)
• (Definition of Senior for Deer/Turkey Permit): “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a permit.” (Section 1533.11, Page 7)
• (Senior Deer Permit Fee): “D Senior deer permit – resident $11.00” (Section 1533.11, Page 7)
• (Definition of Senior for Fur Taker Permit): “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a permit.” (Section 1533.111, Page 10)
• (Senior Fur Taker Permit Fee): “C Senior fur taker permit – resident only $7.00” (Section 1533.111, Page 10)
• (Definition of Senior for Fishing License): “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a license.” (Section 1533.32, Page 14)
• (Senior Fishing License Fee): “D Annual senior fishing license – resident $9.00” (Section 1533.32, Page 14)
• (Definition of Senior for Multi-Year/Lifetime Licenses): “(b) ‘Senior’ means an applicant who is sixty-six sixty-five years of age or older at the time of application for a license.” (Section 1533.321, Page 19 & 20)

Potential Implications:

• Increased Participation: Lowering the age requirement could lead to increased participation in hunting and fishing among residents who have recently turned 65.
• Economic Impact: This could have a minor positive impact on businesses that cater to hunters and anglers through increased license sales and related spending.
• Division of Wildlife Revenue: While more seniors may qualify for discounted licenses, the overall impact on the Division of Wildlife’s revenue would depend on the number of individuals newly eligible and the extent to which they would have purchased regular-priced licenses otherwise.
• Administrative Ease: The change is relatively straightforward and should be easily implemented by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Next Steps:

Further analysis would involve tracking the progress of HB 64 through the Ohio General Assembly, including committee hearings and votes. Examining any fiscal impact statements associated with the bill would also provide valuable insights into its potential financial implications. Understanding the rationale behind the bill from its sponsors could offer additional context.