Louisiana House Bill HB344

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/26/14
• Engrossed: 4/2/14
• Refer: 4/3/14
• Report Pass: 4/28/14
• Enrolled: 5/7/14
• Chaptered: 5/16/14
• Passed: 5/16/14

Caption

Provides relative to fees for hunting and fishing licenses paid by surviving spouses of members of the military killed in action (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

Impact

The enactment of HB 344 will adjust existing laws regarding the costs associated with obtaining recreational licenses in Louisiana, creating a tangible benefit for the families of fallen service members. By reducing the financial barrier for hunting and fishing licenses, the law supports initiatives that encourage outdoor participation and wellbeing for bereaved spouses, and it also symbolizes a state's commitment to honoring military service and sacrifice.

Summary

House Bill 344 seeks to provide financial relief for the surviving spouses of members of the United States Armed Forces, the Louisiana Army National Guard, or the Louisiana Air National Guard who were killed in action while deployed in combat zones. The bill stipulates that these surviving spouses will be eligible for hunting permits and fishing licenses at a nominal fee of $2.50. This legislation is framed as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by military personnel and aims to ease the transition for their surviving family members into recreational activities that may otherwise carry substantial costs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 344 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as it addresses an important issue affecting military families. Legislators from both parties have expressed support for measures that provide tangible benefits to service members' survivors. The bill garnered unanimous support during its passage, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the need to support those who have lost family members in military service. This consensus suggests a bipartisan commitment to recognizing and addressing the needs of veteran families.

Contention

While HB 344 received widespread support, discussions around the bill also noted potential concerns about the balance of resource allocation for various veterans' initiatives. Some commentators raised questions about prioritizing recreational benefits over other critical services that might be more urgently needed by military families, such as counseling or financial assistance. Nevertheless, these discussions did not deter the bill’s progress, resulting in a unanimous vote for its final passage.