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S 5100

Relates to lowering the age for universal hunting licenses from 14 years old to 12 years old

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Gallivan and 4 co-sponsors

Lower the universal hunting license age from 14 to 12, expanding access for 12–13-year-olds and prompting new requirements for hunter education, supervision, and licensing.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · S 5100

Summary of Bill S 5100

Overview

Bill S 5100 seeks to lower the eligibility age for obtaining a universal hunting license from 14 years old to 12 years old. The measure is currently in the legislative process and has been referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.

  • Bill Number: S 5100
  • Title: Relates to lowering the age for universal hunting licenses from 14 years old to 12 years old
  • Status: Referred to Environmental Conservation
  • Introduced: February 18, 2025

What the Bill Would Do

  • Primary change: Reduce the minimum age to obtain a universal hunting license from 14 to 12.
  • Details beyond the age change are not provided in the available information. Therefore, it is unclear whether the bill adds or modifies accompanying requirements (e.g., hunter education prerequisites, supervision requirements, license fees, or other administrative provisions).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Youths aged 12 and 13 who wish to obtain a universal hunting license.
  • State wildlife and hunting regulatory agencies responsible for issuing licenses and administering the program.
  • Communities and families involved in youth hunting programs and hunter education initiatives.

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced on February 18, 2025.
  • Referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee on February 18, 2025 (listed twice in the provided record, but the status remains the same).
  • No further actions (e.g., committee hearings, floor votes) are documented in the provided information.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Joseph A. Griffo
  • Cosponsors: Robert Ortt, Patrick M. Gallivan, Thomas F. O'Mara, Pamela Helming

Related Legislation

  • Related bills from prior sessions: S 5434, S 3156, S 2968, S 4119, S 2611.
  • These relationships suggest ongoing consideration in prior sessions regarding youth hunting license policies or related wildlife/conservation matters.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access and participation: Lowering the age could expand youth participation in hunting and related outdoor education opportunities.
  • Safety and training: Depending on accompanying provisions, there may be implications for hunter education requirements, supervision, and safety training for younger hunters.
  • Revenue and licensing: An earlier entry point for licenses could affect licensing revenue streams and conservation funding, depending on fee structures and enrollment rates.
  • Wildlife management: Increased hunting participation among younger populations could influence wildlife management goals, harvest planning, and enforcement needs.
  • Implementation: The absence of detailed provisions means key questions remain about prerequisites, oversight, and any age-specific restrictions or exemptions.

Next Steps for Interested Readers

  • Monitor Environmental Conservation Committee actions for hearings, amendments, and vote timings.
  • Review the full text of S 5100 when available to understand any additional provisions, definitions, or implementing details beyond the age change.
  • Compare with related bills (S 5434, S 3156, S 2968, S 4119, S 2611) to gauge broader policy trends on youth hunting licenses.

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

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