Concerns about the cost of Rep. Matt Huffman's HB18 (College student hunting/fishing licenses)

State Representative Matt Huffman (R-4) recently introduced House Bill 18, which will allow non-resident college students to get a hunting or fishing license at resident cost.

The language of the bill makes the following addition to Ohio Revised Code:

A nonresident of the state who is enrolled at the time of application in an Ohio institution of higher education, as defined in section 3333.38 of the Revised Code, may apply for a nonresident college hunting license, the fee for which shall be equal to the fee for a resident hunting license. The chief of the division of wildlife shall adopt rules under section 1531.10 of the Revised Code establishing procedures and requirements regarding verification of enrollment status for the purposes of issuing nonresident college hunting licenses.

Annual resident hunting and fishing licenses remain priced at $19 each, while non-resident hunting licenses cost $125, and an annual non-resident fishing license costs $40.

The change would offer non-resident persons who attend college in Ohio a 85% reduction on a license to hunt, and a 50% reduction for an annual fishing license.

Students who attend college in neighboring West Virginia enjoy a similar privilege.

Representatives Wachtmann, Goodwin, Balderson, Zehringer, Evans, Skindell, Stebelton, Burke, Mecklenborg, Boose, Sears, Jordan, Maag, Blair, Murray, Uecker have signed on to HB18 as co-sponsors.

While the concept is attractive, Outdoor Writers of Ohio's monthly newsletter, LORE is reporting "there is some consideration to ask Rep. Huffman to withdraw the proposal. A representative of the Division of Wildlife said that it will cost the Division nearly $150,000 to revise their computer system to establish such a license within the computer program."

The bill has been assigned to the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee, but thus far no hearing has been held on it. Buckeye Firearms Association will continue to monitor and provide updates as warranted.