HF626

HF626 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Age-related exemptions modified for small game and fishing licenses.

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill, introduced in Minnesota, proposes changes to current laws regarding age-related exemptions for various game and fishing licenses. The main modifications include:

Expanded Age for License Exemptions: Increasing the age below which residents and non-residents can fish or net certain fish species like ciscoes and whitefish without a license from under 16 to under 18 years. Similarly, for small game hunting, the exemption now includes non-residents and residents under 18, up from under 16, with specific provisions based on age for handling firearms, trapping, and accompanying requirements.
Adjustments to License Fees: The bill outlines adjustments to fees for various hunting and fishing licenses, specifying different fees based on whether the licensee is a resident or non-resident and their age. For instance, it specifies lower fees for younger participants and various fees for residents and non-residents that include provisions for short-term and group licenses.
Introduction of Apprentice Validation: Validates that an individual, if born after certain years and does not possess a hunter or trapper education certificate, may receive an apprentice-hunter-trapper validation, which allows them to obtain hunting or trapping licenses.
Repeal of Older Statutes: The bill repeals some existing statutes related to age-specific spearing, fishing, and small game licenses, streamlining the legislation to fit the new age criteria and rules set out in the bill.

Overall, the bill aims to simplify and update the wildlife licensing system, making it more accessible for young hunters and fishers while ensuring they are properly educated and accompanied according to safety regulations.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies disbursement rules for new age exemptions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates previous exemptions for nonresidents under certain age ranges."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill modifies age-related exemptions for various fishing and hunting licenses under section 97A.451.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts age limits for fishing and hunting license exemptions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.451"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces fees for small game licenses for certain age groups."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removes senior citizen fee exemptions for some activities."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends fees for hunting and fishing licenses under section 97A.475.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates the fee structure for nonresident licenses."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.475"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Defines new requirements for apprentice validations."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removes redundant clauses related to adult supervision."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill updates requirements for apprentice hunters and trappers under section 97B.022.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes the accompanying adult's licensing requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.022"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details added exemptions for small game trapping."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Exempts persons from acquiring licenses under new conditions."
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments clearly define exceptions to hunting license requirements in section 97B.601.",
      "modified": [
        "Language clarifications on license exceptions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.601"
  }
]