Arkansas House Bill HB1632

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25
• Report Pass: 4/7/25
• Engrossed: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Require Reimbursement To The Arkansas State Game And Fish Commission For Free Or Discounted Hunting And Fishing Licenses.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1632 would necessitate an adjustment in the budgeting process for both the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission and the state government. The bill mandates that a thorough accounting of lost revenue from these free or discounted licenses be maintained by the Commission, which would then request funds from the state's General Revenue Fund to cover this loss. This requirement means that local and state programs intended to provide accessible hunting and fishing opportunities must be balanced against the financial needs of conservation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 1632 aims to amend the current regulations surrounding the issuance of hunting and fishing licenses in Arkansas. The bill places a requirement on the state to reimburse the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission for any lost revenue due to the issuance of free or discounted licenses. This measure is intended to ensure that the financial integrity of conservation efforts funded by license sales is preserved, addressing concerns that well-meaning legislative initiatives can inadvertently harm agency budgets.

Contention

A key point of contention surrounding HB 1632 is whether such reimbursements are necessary or equitable, particularly in the context of supporting vulnerable populations that may benefit from discounted hunting and fishing licenses. There may be differing opinions on the financial management of conservation funding, with some stakeholders arguing that the general fund should not cover shortfalls resulting from these license discounts. Additionally, the auditing provisions included in the bill highlight ongoing concerns regarding transparency and accountability in how funds are handled and reported.

Summary_conclusion

In summary, House Bill 1632 seeks to create a structured reimbursement system for free and discounted hunting and fishing licenses, thereby protecting the financial framework of Arkansas’s conservation programs. As discussions progress, stakeholders will need to weigh the importance of conservation funding against ensuring that access to these outdoor activities remains equitable and beneficial for all Arkansans.