Rep. Edwards announces passage of legislation reforming Ohio’s hunting, fishing laws

COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Representative Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) announced that the Ohio House approved Senate Bill 257, legislation that makes the process for applying for hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses more consumer friendly.

Senate Bill 257 is a bipartisan bill that expands licensure options for hunters, fishers, and trappers by allowing the Chief of the Division of Wildlife within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ONDR) to issue multi-year and lifetime licenses. Funds acquired from the purchase of these licenses will go into the newly created Multi-year and Lifetime License Fund.

“It shouldn’t be difficult or burdensome to get these licenses” Edwards said. “I think it is important to us in Southeast Ohio and across our great state that we allow more of our youth and families to get into hunting and fishing and the values it can bring to people’s lives.”

The legislation has a number of other provisions reforming this licensing process including: making licenses valid starting on the date of purchase, offering discounts for the purchase of multiple licenses at once, and legalizing hunting from all-terrain vehicles. The goal of the bill is to make it easier for Ohioans to purchase and maintain licenses, better enabling them to enjoy Ohio’s public waters.

Senate Bill 257 now heads to the Governor for his consideration.