HOUSE BILL NO. 93

INTRODUCED BY PAVLOVICH B

BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT INTERIM SUBCOMMITTEE ON VETERANS' NEEDS

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT ENTITLING A RESIDENT OR NONRESIDENT LEGION OF VALOR MEMBER TO FISH WITH A CONSERVATION LICENSE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS; AND AMENDING SECTION 87-2-801, MCA."

WHEREAS, the Legion of Valor is composed of recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross; and

WHEREAS, members of the Legion of Valor have bravely served their country above and beyond the call of duty; and

WHEREAS, there are approximately 800 members of the Legion of Valor, 5 of whom reside in Montana; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article II, section 35, of the Montana Constitution, special considerations that the Legislature may give the five Montana Legion of Valor members should be extended to their distinguished out-of-state colleagues; and

WHEREAS, the people of Montana can show their appreciation to these medal recipients by allowing resident and nonresident Legion of Valor members to fish with a conservation license issued by the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 87-2-801, MCA, is amended to read:

"87-2-801. Residents over sixty-two years of age -- resident or nonresident legion of valor members. (1) A resident, as defined in 87-2-102, who is 62 years of age or older is entitled to fish and hunt game birds with a conservation license issued by the department. The form of the license must be prescribed by the department.

(2) A resident who is 62 years of age or older is also entitled to purchase regular resident deer and elk tags at a price that is one-half of the fee paid by a resident who is 15 years old or older and who is under 62 years of age.

(3) Regardless of age, a resident, as defined in 87-2-102, or a nonresident who is a legion of valor member is entitled to fish with a conservation license issued by the department."

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