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Bill

A 6350

Waives fishing, hunting and trapping license fees for certain first responders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carrie Woerner

New York bill exempts qualified first responders from paying fishing, hunting, and trapping license fees as a workplace wellness measure.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · A 6350

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 6350 waives fishing, hunting, and trapping license fees for certain first responders in New York State. The bill creates an exemption from standard licensing requirements and associated costs for individuals in specified first responder categories.

Why is this important

First responders face significant occupational stress and physical demands, and recreational hunting and fishing are recognized stress-relief activities. License fee waivers represent a modest cost savings while potentially improving mental health and work-life balance for these workers. The fiscal impact on the state's wildlife management funding would depend on how many first responders utilize this exemption.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Unclear which first responder categories qualify (police, firefighters, paramedics, emergency dispatchers, etc.) and whether part-time or volunteer responders are included
  • Revenue impact: License fees fund wildlife conservation and habitat management; waiving fees for a potentially large population reduces dedicated funding unless offset elsewhere
  • Equity concerns: Creates preferential treatment for one occupational group; similar arguments could be made for other high-stress professions (teachers, social workers, healthcare workers)
  • Administrative burden: Implementation requires systems to verify first responder status and track exemptions

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

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