Legislation from State Representative Tony McCombie, Savanna, IL, will soon make acquiring licensing to fish, hunt, and camp in Illinois easier, for veterans and active-duty members of the military. HB4680 amended the Department of Natural Resources Civil Administrative Code, Fish and Aquatic Life Code, and the Wildlife Code, so that members and former members of the military no longer must apply for these licenses in person. Rep. McCombie was pleased with the passing of this legislation.
“Those who defend our Country deserve to be treated with respect and honor,” said McCombie. “It is important, when our military members are home with their families, they enjoy the time they have together without the inconvenience of Illinois bureaucracy. Whether hunting, fishing, or camping, our servicemen and women and our veterans, deserve to enjoy the beautiful nature that Illinois offers without the hassle of being forced to apply in person. The unnecessary burden of requiring Illinoisans to drive to Springfield yearly to receive a fee exemption is outrageous! I would like to thank my constituent who came to our office and presented this idea.”
This legislation removes the requirement for active duty service members or veterans to present, in person, the required documents for this fee exemption.
“This bill was presented to me by a veteran that could not get the exemption, due to the Government offices being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon further review and collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, we decided that veterans and active-duty military should be able to present the necessary paperwork in local offices. The Department of Natural Resources will be able to develop rules to assist veterans and active-duty military in response to this bill,” concluded McCombie.