HB40 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Andy WhittRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Conservation and Natural Resources Dept., disabled veteran lfietime hunting and fishing licenses, fees, disposition, Sec. 9-11-65.3 added.
Summary: HB 40 would allow Alabama to issue lifetime hunting and fishing licenses at reduced prices to eligible disabled U.S. military veterans who reside in the state.
What This Bill Does
Starting with the 2020 license year, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may issue resident lifetime licenses for hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing to disabled U.S. military veterans who meet residency requirements. Veterans certified by the VA as 40% or more physically disabled can receive a lifetime license in place of an annual license, with fees set by the bill and based on age and disability status; veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled may receive certain licenses without paying a license fee. The department can offer a combined lifetime license covering hunting and both fishing types for a single total fee. A $1.10 issuance fee applies to each license; licenses are nontransferable, nonresidents cannot purchase, and holders gain wildlife heritage license privileges. Fees are subject to adjustment over time.

Who It Affects
Alabama residents who are U.S. military veterans with a VA-certified disability (40% or greater) and who meet residency requirements, who would be eligible for lifetime hunting and/or fishing licenses.
Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled may qualify for licenses with no license fee in some cases.
Nonresidents cannot purchase these lifetime licenses.
License holders receive Wildlife Heritage license privileges.

Key Provisions
Adds new Section 9-11-65.3 authorizing resident lifetime hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses for qualified disabled U.S. veterans and sets fees, qualifications, and conditions.
Establishes eligibility for 40%+ disabled veterans (with age-based fee structure) and for 100% disabled veterans (no license fee for certain licenses) under residency requirements.
Allows a combination lifetime license covering hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing for a single total fee.
Imposes a $1.10 issuance fee; licenses are nontransferable, restricted to Alabama residents, and nonresidents cannot purchase.
Lifetime licenses grant Wildlife Heritage license privileges and are subject to fee adjustments as allowed by law.
Effective date: license year starting September 1, 2020.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Conservation and Natural Resources Department