LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6269 NOTE PREPARED: Feb 22, 2024
BILL NUMBER: SB 49 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Hunting.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Glick BILL STATUS: CR Adopted - 2
nd
House
FIRST SPONSOR: Rep. Abbott
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: The bill provides that catastrophically disabled veterans may hunt on the same
free hunting days as those designated for youth hunters by the director of the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR). It defines "catastrophically disabled".
Effective Date: July 1, 2024.
Explanation of State Expenditures: The bill could minimally increase expenses associated with the free
hunting days, such as $0.50 for each deer checked in and additional staffing, if it is determined that the level
of staffing normally provided for the free youth hunting days would need to be increased. The DNR may
need to consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine types of identification allowable for
admission on free hunting days.
Additional Information: Some, but not all, individuals eligible for a Disabled Hoosier Veteran license plate
or individuals who possess both a veteran identification card and a Special Hunting Permit for Persons with
Disabilities would qualify for the free hunting day. The bill references the definition in 38 CFR 17.36(e) (as
in effect January 1, 2023) for "catastrophically disabled,” which does not require the veteran’s disability to
be service-related. This could make more veterans eligible for the free hunting days. However, the
designation does require a person to have one of several specific permanent conditions (such as quadriplegia,
paraplegia, blindness, persistent vegetative state, or two amputations that were not of the same limb) or have
a clinical evaluation indicating low levels of independence for activities of daily living or low levels of
mental, motor, or cognitive functions (eligible score ranges for these assessments are given in the definition).
Explanation of State Revenues: The bill could reduce license revenue to the Fish and Wildlife Fund if
SB 49 1 catastrophically disabled veterans chose to only hunt on the free hunting days and did not otherwise purchase
licenses. The impact would likely be minimal.
Explanation of Local Expenditures:
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Department of Natural Resources; Department of Veterans Affairs.
Local Agencies Affected:
Information Sources: VA Form 10-0383 Catastrophically Disabled Veteran Evaluation (Oct 2015);
Department of Natural Resources; State Form 10691 Application for Special Permit for Disabled Hunter (R10/ 3-12);
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-17.36;
https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-0383-fill.pdf;
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-Disability_Permit_App_Info.pdf;
https://www.in.gov/dva/state-of-indiana-benefits-and-services/motor-vehicle-license-plates-licenses-and-waive
rs/eligibility-for-veteran-license-plates/.
Fiscal Analyst: Heather Puletz, 317-234-9484.
SB 49 2