Pielli’s fishing and hunting license bill passes out of House

H.B. 877 would help disabled veterans and active-duty military

HARRISBURG, May 24 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, is celebrating the passage of H.B. 877 with unanimous, bipartisan support from the state House of Representatives.

House Bill 877 would allow the state attorney general to enter reciprocal agreements with other states to recognize lawfully issued active-duty and disabled-veteran hunting and fishing licenses. 

“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,” said Pielli, who is an Army veteran.

“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. It will 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.”

Pielli said the bill also has mental health benefits for veterans.

“As the move toward therapeutic fishing and hunting for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder gains steam, I think now is the perfect time to revive the support this legislation received in the past,” Pielli said. “I thank my colleagues in the House for their full, bi-partisan support of this bill.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.