ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Ian Jaime

ASSISTANT RESEARCH ANALYST

Liam Maher

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

RESEARCH STAFF

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

DATE:            June 20, 2022

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to H.B. 2701, relating to TPT; prime contracting; tax base

Purpose

Allows the Arizona Game and Fish Commission (Commission) to reduce the hunting license fees for specified veterans.

Background

            The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is charged with establishing policies and programs for the management, preservation and harvest of Arizona's wildlife. AZGFD issues licenses that regulate the amount of wildlife an individual can take and handle. Control of AZGFD is vested in the Commission, which consists of five members who must be well informed on the subject of wildlife and requirements for wildlife conservation (A.R.S. § 17-201).

            The Commission may reduce the fees of licenses for: 1) a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been an Arizona resident for one year or more before applying for the license and who receives compensation from the U.S. government for a service-connected disability; and 2) an Arizona resident who is a member of the Boy Scouts of America who has attained the rank of Eagle Scout or a member of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. who has received the Gold Award (A.R.S. § 17-333).

            The Joint Legislative Budget Committee fiscal note estimates that the fiscal impact will depend on the cost of a regular license, how the Commission implements the authorized fee reductions and the number of veterans who utilize the discounts (JLBC fiscal note).

Provisions

1. Limits, to 25 percent of a full license fee, the reduction AZGFD may make to the fee for a U.S. Armed Forces veteran who:

a) has been an Arizona resident for one year or more immediately before applying for the license; and

b) receives compensation from the U.S. government for a service-connected disability.

2. Allows the Commission to reduce up to 50 percent of posted license fees for a veteran who:

a) has been a resident of Arizona for one year or more immediately before applying for the license; and

b) submits satisfactory proof to AZGFD that the veteran is a bona fide Purple Heart medal   recipient.

3. Makes technical and conforming changes.

4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.