WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2502

Requiring the Kansas department of wildlife and parks to offer discounted resident senior combination hunting and fishing passes to residents of this state who are 65 years of age or older and removing the expiration date for Kansas kids lifetime combination hunting and fishing licenses.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill creates senior discounts for hunting/fishing licenses and eliminates expiration dates on youth lifetime licenses to boost outdoor access.

Died in Senate Committee
#wildlifeandparks
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2502

Legislative bill overview

HB 2502 requires Kansas to offer discounted combination hunting and fishing passes for residents aged 65 and older, and removes expiration dates from Kansas kids lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. The bill aims to make outdoor recreation more accessible to seniors and ensure youth licenses remain valid indefinitely.

Why is this important

Hunting and fishing license fees represent a financial barrier for fixed-income seniors, and this discount could increase outdoor recreation participation among older adults. Removing expiration dates on youth licenses eliminates uncertainty for families and ensures children's lifetime licenses retain their promised value.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Discounted senior passes and non-expiring youth licenses reduce licensing revenue for the Department of Wildlife and Parks, which funds conservation efforts and wildlife management programs
  • Defining "discounted": The bill doesn't specify the discount percentage, leaving implementation details unclear and potentially contentious during rule-making
  • Equity concerns: Questions about whether other age groups or demographics deserve similar discounts, and whether this prioritizes seniors over other recreational user groups
  • Administrative burden: Removing expiration dates on youth licenses may complicate inventory management, tracking, and enforcement systems

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

Sign in to ask a question.