State Rep. Pielli’s fishing & hunting license bill approved by Fish and Game Committee
H.B. 877 would help Disabled Veterans and Active-Duty Military
Rep. Chris Pielli May 1, 2023 | 9:09 AM
WEST CHESTER, May 1 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, is celebrating the approval of H.B. 877 with unanimous, bipartisan support from the Fish and Game Committee.
House Bill 877 would allow the state attorney general to enter reciprocal agreements with other states to recognize the lawfully issued active-duty and disabled-veteran hunting and fishing licenses.
“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,” said Pielli, who is a retired Army veteran. “It could also 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.”
“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.”
Pielli adds that this bill will also have mental health benefits. “As the move toward ‘therapeutic fishing and hunting’ for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) gains steam, I think now is the perfect time to revive the support this legislation received in the past. I thank my colleagues in the Fish and Game Committee for their full support of this bill.”
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.