PENNSYLVANIA — With full bipartisan endorsement, H.B. 877, allowing recognition of veteran hunting and fishing licenses by other states, passed the PA House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill promises to yield cost savings for veterans while spurring spending in-state. Furthermore, it has mental health benefits for veterans. Now, the bill awaits Senate approval.
“Veterans have served all of the United States, not just one state. Their ability to enjoy the great outdoors should be enjoyed nationally with as little hindrance as possible,” said State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, who is an Army veteran.
“The cost savings to our valued active-duty military and disabled-veteran anglers and hunters would allow for more travel and increased opportunities to fish and hunt. It will help to attract more travel to the commonwealth from nonresident military sportsmen, resulting in a boost to our economy through the spending of additional sportsmen’s dollars here, a notion that has the full support of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.”
Pielli said the bill also has mental health benefits for veterans.
“As the move toward therapeutic fishing and hunting for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder gains steam, I think now is the perfect time to revive the support this legislation received in the past,” Pielli said. “I thank my colleagues in the House for their full, bi-partisan support of this bill.”
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