SB396
To Amend The Law Concerning Hunting And Fishing Licenses; And To Authorize The Arkansas State Game And Fish Commission To Issue To Certain Nonresidents A Hunting Or Fishing License For The Cost Of A Resident License.
Last Action (March 6, 2025): Sine Die adjournment
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 396 proposes an amendment to Arkansas law that would permit the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission to offer hunting and fishing licenses to specific nonresidents at the same cost as those charged to Arkansas residents. To qualify for this reduced fee, a nonresident must have graduated from an Arkansas public, private, or home school and must be currently enrolled in and pursuing a higher education degree in another state. The bill grants the Commission the authority to implement this pricing structure, effectively creating a tuition-style discount for nonresident students with ties to the Arkansas education system. This legislation is intended to facilitate continued outdoor recreational access for individuals who have completed their secondary education in the state but have relocated elsewhere for college.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are nonresident students who graduated from Arkansas K-12 educational institutions and are currently pursuing higher education degrees in other states. These individuals would benefit financially by gaining access to Arkansas hunting and fishing licenses at significantly lower resident rates.
Who Might Suffer?
The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission could be negatively impacted through a potential reduction in licensing revenue, as these individuals would no longer pay the higher nonresident fees. Additionally, current Arkansas residents might perceive a slight increase in competition for wildlife and fishing resources if the lower cost encourages higher participation from nonresident students.
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