Bill would waive hunting, fishing fees for seniors

SPRINGFIELD - Legislation would waive hunting and fishing license fees for Illinois senior citizens.

The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers reported the proposal is sponsored by state Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat.

His bill would let people over 75 get a sport fishing and hunting license for free. Fishing licenses typically cost $15 and hunting licenses cost $12.50. But residents who are 65 and older pay only half the price.

Mike Stevens is a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. He says waiving the fees could mean a loss of about $260,000 in revenue. He says that means several jobs could be cut.

The proposal was approved by the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee and now heads to the full chamber.