House Passes Thomas and Deeter Senior Sportsmen Fairness Act

Today, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 64, legislation that will lower the age at which Ohioans are able to receive the senior discount on hunting, fishing, and other sportsmen licenses from 66 to 65, announced bill sponsors, State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk).

“This bill means something to those who love Ohio’s outdoors and conservation efforts and creates fairness for age qualifications of senior discounts in Ohio Revised Code,” said Thomas.

The bill, which passed unanimously out of the House Natural Resources Committee, will decrease the age at which Ohioans can qualify for the Senior hunting, fishing, trapping, and other sportsmen licenses from 66 to 65. The discount for fishing licenses lowers the traditional $24 resident license to $9 for seniors and hunting discount lowers the regular adult cost from $18 to $9. 

“I am thrilled that Rep. Thomas allowed me to work on this bill with him and that we moved it through the process in the House so quickly,” said Deeter. “Anything that we can do to encourage our seniors to stay active is a win for Ohio.” 

Thomas is not entirely sure why the 66-age provision has been in Ohio Revised Code for so long, but he is grateful to a constituent who messaged him on his first day in office to say that it wasn’t right, and something should be done. 

“If we can get grandparents out with their grandkids even just with the public education from this bill that senior discounts exist and not break the bank for conservation efforts in Ohio, that is a win- win and I so appreciate my colleagues support,” said Thomas.

H.B. 64 now heads to the Senate for consideration.