Hunting and sport fishing licenses: reduced fees.

Senators Dahle and Allen propose expanding access to hunting and sport fishing licenses through a new reduced-fee program for California residents enrolled in specified public assistance programs. The legislation establishes eligibility criteria for reduced-fee licenses, requiring applicants to demonstrate participation in qualifying programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or tribal assistance initiatives.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife must verify documentation before issuing reduced-fee licenses, which maintain the same fee structure as existing reduced-fee programs for disabled veterans and recovering service members. The bill preserves current reduced-fee eligibility for disabled veterans with 50% or greater service-connected disabilities, recovering service members as defined by federal law, and qualifying seniors over 65 receiving specific benefits.

By October 2029, the Director of Fish and Wildlife must submit a report analyzing license sales data, administrative costs, and participation trends among both new and existing license holders. The reduced-fee program expires January 1, 2031, allowing the Legislature to evaluate its effects before considering renewal or modification. The commission will establish regulations defining acceptable documentation for proving program eligibility.