AB 1387 Would Discount Recreational Passes For California National Guard Members
On Monday, Assemblywoman Runner (R-Lancaster) announced a bill that would provide recreational licenses and passes to members of the National Guard at a discounted price.
The legislation would provide hunting and fishing licenses at half-price and a state parks pass for use at parking facilities at a reduced rate.“The members of our National Guard deserve all of the benefits that we can provide them with,” said Assemblywoman Runner. “The members and their families make countless sacrifices to protect the safety of all Californians and any opportunity that the Legislature gets to thank them for their service should be wholeheartedly supported. California currently offers some benefits to members of the National Guard but most of them are limited to veterans who have a significant service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more. These benefits include property tax exemptions, vehicle registration waivers, reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses and a state parks pass at a small charge.
Other states offer extensive benefits packages to their National Guard in order to entice membership and offset the burden that deployment can place on members and their families. Although California has one of the most utilized National Guard forces in the nation, we offer some of the fewest benefits. AB 1387 would provide all members of the California National Guard with hunting and fishing licenses at half-price and a state parks pass at a discounted rate.
“We are forever indebted to the service that members of the National Guard provide in California and across the world,” said Assemblywoman Runner. “I am honored to be carrying this bill, and giving back a little of what the National Guard has given our state.”
In the coming months this bill will be referred to the appropriate policy committees for an initial hearing.