SF3890 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Free angling, deer, and small game licenses provision for residents age 65 or over
Related bill: HF3837
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill would make certain hunting and fishing licenses free for Minnesota residents who are 65 years old or older. It amends Minnesota Statutes to add a new subdivision that authorizes no-fee licenses for seniors to fish by angling, deer (by firearms or archery), and small game. It also specifies how proof of age and identity can be shown when obtaining these licenses.
Main provisions
- Adds Subdivision 11 to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.441, relating to Angling and taking deer and small game for residents age 65 or older.
- For residents age 65 or older, the licensing authority must issue without a fee:
- 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
- Evidence requirement: A driver’s license or Minnesota identification card serves as satisfactory evidence to obtain a license under this subdivision at all agent locations.
Significant changes to existing law
- Replaces the prior fee requirement for certain licenses with no-fee licenses for seniors (age 65+).
- Introduces a permanent (likely lifetime) fishing license by angling for seniors, while keeping deer and small game licenses on an annual basis.
- Expands the evidence framework by allowing standard ID (driver’s license or Minnesota ID) to prove eligibility at all license agents.
Implementation notes
- Applies to license-issuing agents and locations across Minnesota.
- Requires identity verification using a driver’s license or Minnesota ID to obtain the free licenses.
Relevant Terms - age 65 or older - no fee / without a fee / free licenses - permanent license to take fish by angling - annual license to take deer by firearms or archery - annual license to take small game - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.441 - Subdivision 11 - driver’s license - Minnesota identification card - agent locations - taking fish by angling - taking deer - taking small game
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| February 26, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Subd. 11. Angling and taking deer and small game age 65 or older establishing free issuance: a permanent license to take fish by angling; an annual license to take deer by firearms or archery; and an annual license to take small game, issued without a fee to residents 65 or older.",
"Subd. 11 includes that a driver's license or Minnesota identification card serves as satisfactory evidence to obtain a license under this subdivision at all agent locations."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.441 to provide free licenses for residents age 65 or older for angling and taking deer and small game.",
"modified": [
"Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97A.441 by adding Subd. 11."
]
},
"citation": "97A.441",
"subdivision": "Subd.11"
}
]