Post by Woody Williams on Jan 2, 2007 16:23:40 GMT -5
For immediate release:
Dec. 27, 2006
Battles seeks permanent lifetime hunting, fishing, trapping licenses
INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Kreg Battles (D-Vincennes) announced today that he has filed legislation that will enable more Hoosiers to pass along their love of hunting, fishing and trapping to future generations.
Battles will serve as the primary author of House Bill 1057, legislation that restores the lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping licenses that were halted by provisions of a measure passed into law by the Indiana General Assembly in 2005.
"At the time, officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said it wasn't cost- effective to continue issuing the lifetime licenses," Battles said. "In short, since it wasn't a money-making proposition for the state, it was felt that it wasn't worth making the lifetime license available any more."
The lifetime license was available at a cost of $1,154 until July 1, 2005. Battles' legislation would allow people to resume purchasing the license.
"It seems to me that the Legislature's decision in 2005 short-circuited an enduring tradition that helped provide an appreciation for hunting and fishing in our state," Battles said.
"I know of many fathers who liked the idea of purchasing a lifetime license for their kids as a present for their birthdays or for Christmas," he continued. "It was the same thing that their fathers did for them. Hunting and fishing are the types of experiences that families can share that helps bring them closer together.
"Most people look back on those times fondly, and I think the likelihood that we can help strengthen ties between families should be a stronger consideration than whether or not the state is making enough money on a license," Battles said.
Battles noted that the Legislature is in the process of considering a proposal that would amend the Indiana Constitution to secure a person's constitutional right to hunt and fish. If approved by the Indiana General Assembly in either 2007 or 2008, the matter would go before Hoosier voters in the Fall 2008 election.
"I support the constitutional right to hunt and fish, but I also believe we should make it easier for people to instill an appreciation for the outdoors in their children," Battles said. "Having a lifetime license is a something that can help maintain that tradition, and I see no reason why it shouldn't continue."
The 2007 session of the Indiana General Assembly resumes on January 8.
www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r64/R64_20061227.html
Dec. 27, 2006
Battles seeks permanent lifetime hunting, fishing, trapping licenses
INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Kreg Battles (D-Vincennes) announced today that he has filed legislation that will enable more Hoosiers to pass along their love of hunting, fishing and trapping to future generations.
Battles will serve as the primary author of House Bill 1057, legislation that restores the lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping licenses that were halted by provisions of a measure passed into law by the Indiana General Assembly in 2005.
"At the time, officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said it wasn't cost- effective to continue issuing the lifetime licenses," Battles said. "In short, since it wasn't a money-making proposition for the state, it was felt that it wasn't worth making the lifetime license available any more."
The lifetime license was available at a cost of $1,154 until July 1, 2005. Battles' legislation would allow people to resume purchasing the license.
"It seems to me that the Legislature's decision in 2005 short-circuited an enduring tradition that helped provide an appreciation for hunting and fishing in our state," Battles said.
"I know of many fathers who liked the idea of purchasing a lifetime license for their kids as a present for their birthdays or for Christmas," he continued. "It was the same thing that their fathers did for them. Hunting and fishing are the types of experiences that families can share that helps bring them closer together.
"Most people look back on those times fondly, and I think the likelihood that we can help strengthen ties between families should be a stronger consideration than whether or not the state is making enough money on a license," Battles said.
Battles noted that the Legislature is in the process of considering a proposal that would amend the Indiana Constitution to secure a person's constitutional right to hunt and fish. If approved by the Indiana General Assembly in either 2007 or 2008, the matter would go before Hoosier voters in the Fall 2008 election.
"I support the constitutional right to hunt and fish, but I also believe we should make it easier for people to instill an appreciation for the outdoors in their children," Battles said. "Having a lifetime license is a something that can help maintain that tradition, and I see no reason why it shouldn't continue."
The 2007 session of the Indiana General Assembly resumes on January 8.
www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r64/R64_20061227.html
