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HB 1632

TO REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS STATE GAME AND FISH COMMISSION FOR FREE OR DISCOUNTED HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Wardlaw

House Bill 1632 sought to reimburse the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for revenue lost from free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses, ensuring conservation funding.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1632

Summary of House Bill 1632

Bill Number: HB 1632
Title: To Require Reimbursement to the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for Free or Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1632 aimed to address the financial impact of offering free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses on the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission's budget. The bill sought to ensure that the commission would be reimbursed for any revenue lost due to these licenses, thereby protecting funding for conservation efforts.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several important changes to existing law regarding hunting and fishing licenses:

  1. Reimbursement Requirement:

    • The Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission would be reimbursed for lost revenue resulting from the issuance of free or discounted licenses. This reimbursement would equal the amount of the discounts provided.
    • The reimbursement would also apply to any exemptions from licensure requirements created after the bill's effective date.

  2. Accounting and Reporting:

    • The commission was required to maintain an accounting of lost revenue and submit this information to the Department of Finance and Administration by June 30 of each fiscal year.
    • The department would then be responsible for depositing the reimbursed amount into the Game Protection Fund within 30 days of receiving the accounting.

  3. Audit Provisions:

    • The accounting records related to lost revenue would be subject to audit by the Arkansas Legislative Audit.

  4. Funding Source:

    • Reimbursements would be made from the General Revenue Allotment Reserve Fund, contingent upon an appropriation by the General Assembly.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The primary entity affected by this bill would be the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission, which relies on license revenue for conservation funding.
    • Additionally, individuals and groups eligible for free or discounted licenses would be indirectly impacted, as the bill aimed to balance the financial implications of such programs.

  • Conservation Funding:

    • By ensuring reimbursement for lost revenue, the bill intended to safeguard the commission's ability to fund conservation efforts, which are critical for maintaining wildlife and natural resources in Arkansas.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 6, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill engrossed.
  • March 19, 2025: Amendment No. 2 adopted; bill ordered engrossed.
  • April 9, 2025: Bill passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 10, 2025: Received in the Senate, read, and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1632 aimed to create a structured reimbursement process for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission to mitigate the financial impact of free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses. Although the bill was ultimately not passed, its intent highlighted the importance of maintaining funding for conservation efforts in the state.

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

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