INDIANA (WTWO/WAWV) — State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) authored legislation this session to remove the requirement of renewing an Indiana fishing license on an annual basis.
O’Brien’s bill would establish a new lifetime fishing license for Hoosier anglers, which he said would cut red tape and encourage more people to enjoy the hobby.
“Fishing, whether a casual hobby or competitive sport, is great for our mental and physical health,” O’Brien said. “From young children to the young at heart, many enjoy getting outdoors and fishing. If you aren’t an avid fisherman, you may not know you need a license or you may have not realized your license expired, and this commonsense bill would make it easier for all.”
According to O’Brien, the legislation would require the Natural Resources Commission to adopt rules to establish fees for lifetime licenses and ensure they could be purchased by Hoosiers at a reasonable price.
Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources sold 326,061 fishing licenses in 2021. Annual licenses are valid from April 1 of the current year through March 31 of the following year.
A combination hunting and fishing license for Indiana residents costs $32, a news release said, with an annual fishing license at $23. An annual senior fishing license is $3, and a senior fish-for-life license is $23.
House Bill 1099 has been assigned to the House Natural Resources Committee for consideration.
