IL HB5597

Reduces fishing and hunting license fees for qualifying Illinois resident veterans to a flat $5 for both annual and 3-year licenses, down from the previous rate of one-half the standard license fee.

Applies to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, Illinois National Guard, or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who have returned from service abroad or presidential mobilization as active duty members.

Amends both the Fish and Aquatic Life Code (515 ILCS 5/20-45) and the Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/3.2) to implement the reduced fee structure.

Veterans must provide acceptable verification of service to the Department, including documentation such as DD-214 forms, letters from the Illinois Department of Military Affairs, or other official military records.

Introduced by Rep. Wayne A. Rosenthal during the 104th General Assembly (2025-2026 session).