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HD 225

An Act relative to 100% disabled veteran recreation

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney

Waives all hunting and fishing license fees for Massachusetts residents who are 100% disabled veterans, covering every license type.

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Bill Summary · HD 225

Summary of Bill HD 225: An Act relative to 100% disabled veteran recreation

Overview

  • Bill Number: HD 225 (House Docket No. 225)
  • Title: An Act relative to 100% disabled veteran recreation
  • Purpose: To grant free access to hunting and fishing licenses for Massachusetts residents who are 100% disabled veterans
  • Filed: January 7, 2025
  • Introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session (one version lists introduction/filing details; the bill is a proposed measure)

Key Provisions

  • Core grant: Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation, a Massachusetts resident who is a 100% disabled veteran shall be entitled to any hunting or fishing license offered by the Commonwealth without fee or cost.
  • Scope: Applies to all hunting and fishing licenses offered by the Commonwealth; effectively waives license fees for qualifying veterans.
  • Language emphasis: The provision uses a broad “notwithstanding” clause to supersede other licensing requirements or fee rules for 100% disabled veterans.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Massachusetts residents who are certified 100% disabled veterans.
  • Licenses affected: Any hunting or fishing license issued by the Commonwealth (i.e., all license categories under Massachusetts hunting and fishing programs).

Legislative Status and Process

  • Status: Proposed bill in the Massachusetts General Court (2025-2026 session).
  • Related history: A similar matter was previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (House Bill No. 3481), indicating ongoing interest in this policy.
  • Path to law: As with any Massachusetts bill, would require passage by both the House and Senate and assent/signature by the Governor to become law.

Administrative and Fiscal Implications

  • Revenue impact: The bill would forego license fees for eligible veterans, representing a potential reduction in revenue for license programs unless offset by other funding or policy adjustments.
  • Administration: Likely administrative considerations for verifying veteran status and processing fee waivers within licensing systems.

Notes

  • The text provided for HD 225 is concise, focusing on extending fee-free hunting and fishing licenses to 100% disabled veterans without restricting to specific license types beyond “any hunting or fishing license offered by the Commonwealth.”
  • If enacted, the policy would enhance access to outdoor recreation for disabled veterans and remove cost barriers for licensing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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