State Sen. Harman's Wounded Warrior Bills Pass Committee

Senator Tom Harman announced Tuesday that two bills that would allow the Department of Fish and Game to issue reduced-cost sport fishing and hunting licenses to recovering active duty military passed the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee without any opposition.

"I am extremely pleased that my colleagues have demonstrated their dedication to wounded members of the military by unanimously passing SB 1287 and SB 1288 out of committee today," Harman said. "These measures will ensure that active-duty military personnel who have service- and combat-related injuries are eligible for the same reduced-cost sport fishing and hunting license as our disabled veterans."

Current law allows DFG to issue reduced-cost sport fishing and hunting licenses to disabled military veterans. However, those in uniform who remain in active service and who are participating in therapy for their injuries are not covered by present law and thus not recognized by DFG. SB 1287 and SB 1288 would remedy this disparity and allow DFG to recognize both veterans and active-duty military.

"In the spirit of that famous Marine Corps motto, the honor, courage and commitment of these men and women should be recognized by Californians individually and collectively as a state," Harman said. "Transitioning back to civilian life or back to active-duty while struggling with severe injuries sustained in the course of serving one's country deserves nothing less than our full support. I hope that California can set a standard that will be emulated by all other states."

Wounded Warrior programs are operated by the United States Armed Services to care for active-duty service members during their transition from service- and combat-related injury to civilian life, or back to their units. A significant part of the healing process for wounded warriors is enabling and encouraging them to experience some of the recreational activities they enjoyed prior to their injury or illness.

The legislation will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee.