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HF3837 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Free angling, deer, and small game licenses provided to residents age 65 or over.

Related bill: SF3890

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

To make certain licenses free for Minnesota residents who are age 65 or older. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to Minnesota law about licenses for angling (fishing) and taking deer and small game.

Main Provisions

  • Adds a new subdivision (Subd. 11) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.441.
  • For residents age 65 or older, license issuers must provide:
    • a permanent license to take fish by angling,
    • an annual license to take deer (by firearms or by archery),
    • an annual license to take small game, all at no charge (free).
  • A driver’s license or Minnesota identification card can serve as acceptable evidence to obtain these licenses at all license agent locations.

How It Works

  • Eligibility: Only residents who are 65 years old or older qualify.
  • Licensing types and duration:
    • Fish by angling: permanent license (non-expiring).
    • Deer (hunting): annual license under firearms or archery.
    • Small game: annual license.
  • Proof of eligibility: Present a driver’s license or Minnesota identification card at any license agent location to obtain the free licenses.

Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.441 by adding Subd. 11, establishing free licenses for seniors in three categories (angling, deer, and small game) and specifying acceptable identification for proof of eligibility.

Implementation Notes

  • Licensing authorities (the entities authorized to issue licenses) must provide these free licenses to qualifying residents.
  • All agent locations must accept a driver’s license or Minnesota ID as evidence for obtaining the free licenses.

Relevant Terms Angling; taking fish by angling; deer; small game; age 65 or older; free license; permanent license; annual license; firearms; archery; Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.441; Subd. 11; Driver’s license; Minnesota identification card; license agent locations; license issuer.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Subd. 11 authorizes the issuance of free licenses to residents age 65 or older: a permanent license to take fish by angling, an annual license to take deer by firearms or by archery, and an annual license to take small game."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill adds a new subdivision to Minn. Stat. §97A.441 to provide free licenses for residents age 65 or older for angling and for taking deer and small game.",
      "modified": [
        "The bill adds a new subdivision to an existing statute rather than creating a new law."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.441",
    "subdivision": "subd. 11"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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