Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1091

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/24
• Refer: 2/16/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

A fishing license for a child with a disability. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB1091 will amend current statutes related to the issuance of fishing licenses, specifically targeting provisions for children with disabilities. By removing the fee requirements and simplifying the application process, the bill aims to enhance participation in outdoor recreational activities, thereby potentially fostering a closer connection between families, children, and nature. The legislation is expected to have a negligible fiscal impact on the state budget due to the waived fees, essentially redistributing access to fishing resources without additional costs to the state or applicants.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1091 seeks to extend access to recreational fishing opportunities for children with disabilities by mandating that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or appointed agents issue annual fishing licenses without charging any fees. Previously, children with disabilities could obtain a disabled person fishing license at a reduced fee if they provided appropriate documentation. This bill eliminates the fee entirely for both resident and nonresident children who present a certification of their disability from a qualified health professional. The intent is to lower barriers and promote inclusivity in recreational fishing for families with disabled children.

Contention

While the bill appears largely beneficial, some stakeholders might raise concerns regarding the administrative implications of the proposed changes. For instance, there may be discussions about the feasibility for DNR and local agents to handle increased application volumes without additional funding or resources. Moreover, considerations around the enforcement of ensuring proper documentation to prevent misuse of the free licenses may arise, leading to potential debates on balancing accessibility with regulatory oversight.