HB1059
To Provide The Option For A Free Lifetime Hunting And Fishing License To A Commercial Truck Driver Who Is A Resident And Provides Certain Information Related To Human Trafficking.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to amend Arkansas law to create a new provision for lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. Specifically, it mandates that the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission offer the option of a free lifetime hunting and fishing license. This license may also include an optional lifetime trout stamp and a lifetime state duck stamp. Eligibility for this free license is restricted to commercial truck drivers who are residents of Arkansas. To qualify, these drivers must provide information to law enforcement that directly results in either the rescue of a human trafficking victim or the conviction of an individual for human trafficking. The bill also states that the Game and Fish Commission will be reimbursed for the cost of these licenses through appropriated funds. The purpose of this legislation is to incentivize commercial truck drivers to report information related to human trafficking.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be commercial truck drivers who are residents of Arkansas and who provide information that leads to the rescue of a human trafficking victim or the conviction of a human trafficker. These individuals would receive the benefit of a free lifetime hunting and fishing license, potentially including a lifetime trout stamp and a lifetime state duck stamp. Additionally, victims of human trafficking and law enforcement agencies would indirectly benefit from the increased likelihood of information being reported, leading to rescues and convictions.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entities that could be negatively impacted by this bill are the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission and the state's general fund, which appropriates funds for reimbursements. The commission would incur the administrative costs associated with managing this program, and the state would be responsible for reimbursing the commission for the value of the free licenses issued. If a significant number of eligible commercial truck drivers utilize this provision, it could represent a notable cost to the state's wildlife and conservation funding, depending on how the reimbursement funds are specifically allocated and if they are drawn from existing conservation budgets or new appropriations.