Bill seeks to expand discounted hunting program for PA’s disabled veterans

State Senator Chris Gebhard (R-48) has introduced legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans.

The current law provides free hunting licenses only to veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a press release from Gebhard’s office.

Partially disabled veterans may buy discounted licenses, the release explains. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat – in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties, or other hazardous activities – are not eligible for a discount.

“This issue was brought to my attention by a constituent who served our nation honorably from 1979 to 1988 and was denied eligibility based on this technicality,” Gebhard said in a statement. “After reviewing the law, we discovered the gap and drafted legislation to correct it.”

Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans.

“Whether their injuries occurred in combat, in training, or in service during peacetime, our disabled veterans all carry the weight of sacrifice,” Gebhard said in the statement. “This legislation ensures that every veteran with a service-connected disability is recognized equally for their service to our nation.”