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H 1017

An Act to provide priority antlerless deer permits for disabled veteran hunters

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Pease

Gives VA-certified disabled veterans priority access to antlerless deer permits when demand exceeds supply; MassWildlife will set eligibility and a formal application process.

Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
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Bill Summary · H 1017

Summary: H 1017 — An Act to provide priority antlerless deer permits for disabled veteran hunters

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to improve access to antlerless deer permits (ADPs) for hunters who are disabled veterans, by granting them priority access to ADPs certified by the VA. In situations where demand for ADPs exceeds supply, disabled veteran hunters with VA-certified disabilities would be guaranteed issuance of an ADP before other applicants. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kelly W. Pease and is designed to be implemented through regulatory changes by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Key provisions

  • Regulatory amendments (Section 1): The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife would amend its regulations to grant priority access to ADPs for veteran hunters with disability certified by the VA. In high-demand areas, certified disabled veteran hunters would be guaranteed issuance of an ADP before any other applicants.

  • Establishment of an application process (Section 2): The Division would create a formal process for certified disabled veteran hunters to apply for priority ADPs. This process would include:

    • Criteria for certifying disability status
    • Procedures for applying for these priority permits

  • Effective date (Section 3): The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Affected parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: Veterans with disabilities certified by the VA who hunt deer and would qualify for ADPs under the new priority rules.
  • Regulatory authority: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), which would amend regulations and administer the priority ADP program.
  • Other permit applicants: All other ADP applicants would be subject to the new priority framework in areas where demand exceeds supply.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (same date).
  • Legislative actions: Senate concurrence noted; related House version is HD 839 (which the bill replaces).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in hearing room A-1.
  • Status: Active bill with scheduled hearing; immediate effect upon passage if enacted.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes equity for disabled veterans within the ADP allocation framework and directs the regulatory body to formalize disability verification and application procedures.
  • The provisions rely on VA certification of disability and would implement through MassWildlife regulatory amendments, not through a standalone new statute beyond the act.

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

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