Connecticut House Bill HB05517

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/21
• Refer: 1/26/21

Caption

An Act Providing Free Hunting And Fishing Licenses To Volunteer Conservation Education And Firearms Safety Instructors.

Impact

The implementation of HB 05517 would modify current statutes to facilitate the provision of free licenses as a form of compensation for volunteer instructors. By easing the financial burden on these individuals, the bill encourages a greater number of qualified instructors to engage in conservation education and firearms safety, potentially leading to increased public awareness and participation in responsible outdoor activities. This supportive measure may also have broader implications for wildlife management and conservation efforts across the state.

Summary

House Bill 05517 aims to provide free hunting and fishing licenses to volunteer conservation education officers and firearms safety instructors. This bill recognizes the significant contributions that these volunteers make to their communities by educating the public and promoting sustainable practices in hunting and fishing. By offering complimentary licenses, the bill seeks to incentivize more individuals to participate in conservation and education efforts, ultimately benefiting the environment and public safety.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a positive intention, there may be discussions about the allocation of state resources, particularly in light of budget constraints. Critics may argue that providing free licenses could lead to discrepancies in the management of hunting and fishing licenses or could create additional administrative burdens. Nonetheless, supporters of the bill emphasize the need to support volunteer efforts that directly contribute to community safety and conservation education.