Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 1, 2022 09:31 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator James R. Brewster |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Free fishing for veterans in therapeutic programs |
| I will be reintroducing this bill for the third legislative session. It’s a bill that exempts veterans and others to fish for free as part of their mental and physical recovery, by participating in therapeutic recreation events and programs. This bill would provide for a dedicated exemption for individuals participating in therapeutic angling programs sponsored by various established service groups, such as Project Healing Waters and Wounded Warriors. Per the PA Fish and Boat Commission, more than 60 different service organizations and hundreds of unique one-day fishing opportunity events across the Commonwealth would have qualified for exemption under my bill. I know firsthand that outdoor recreation and fishing is not only important to our state’s tourism and economy, but it can also serve as a successful rehabilitative activity. Fishing provides time connecting with the outdoors and nature and has been recommended by health care professionals to aid those with a wide range of diagnoses. Including mental and physical disabilities, cancer or other chronic diseases, recovery from addiction, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Last session this bill passed unanimously in the Senate Game and Fisheries, Senate Appropriations, a 50-0 vote in the Senate, and a unanimous vote in the House Game and Fisheries Committee. Please consider cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as SB146