Preamble: Recognizing the invaluable service and sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, and acknowledging their contributions to the security and freedom of our nation, the United States hereby establishes a policy to honor and support these veterans through the provision of certain recreational freedoms.
Section 1: Definitions
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Veteran: An individual who has served honorably in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
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Immediate Family: Spouses, children, or parents of the veteran, as long as they are not remarried or over the age of 21 for children.
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Hunting and Fishing: The activities of hunting game animals, birds, or fishing, as defined by state wildlife regulations, excluding any commercial activities.
Section 2: Policy Establishment
The United States shall establish a national policy where all veterans and their immediate families have the right to hunt and fish without the requirement of purchasing licenses, permits, or stamps for these activities.
Section 3: Implementation
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Federal Jurisdiction: This policy shall be enforced on all federal lands where hunting and fishing are legally allowed.
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Collaboration with States: The federal government will work in collaboration with state governments to implement this policy on state lands, ensuring that veterans and their families are not required to obtain state-specific hunting and fishing licenses.
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Funding: The cost of conservation efforts, which might be impacted by this policy, will be supported through federal funds, ensuring states do not bear an additional burden.
Section 4: Administration
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Department of the Interior: Will oversee the implementation of this policy in conjunction with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Licensing Exemption Mechanism: A national database or card system will be established to verify the veteran status and eligibility of family members, ensuring compliance with this act while preventing abuse.
Section 5: Educational and Awareness Programs
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Outreach: Programs will be developed to inform veterans and their families of their rights under this act, including how to access federal and state lands for hunting and fishing activities.
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Conservation Education: Initiatives to educate participants on sustainable hunting and fishing practices will be mandatory to ensure conservation ethics are upheld.
Section 6: Review and Amendment
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Annual Review: The policy’s impact on conservation, access, and public sentiment will be reviewed annually.
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Amendments: Based on reviews, amendments can be proposed to Congress to adjust the policy for better implementation or to address unforeseen issues.
Section 7: Enforcement
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Penalties: Any person who contravenes this act by charging veterans or their families for required licenses shall be subject to federal penalties.
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Compliance: States must comply with this federal mandate or face potential loss of certain federal wildlife management funds.
Section 8: Effective Date
This Act shall take effect one year after its passage, allowing for the necessary administrative setup and state coordination.
This policy proposal aims to federalize the provision of free hunting and fishing for veterans and their families, reflecting a national commitment to honor those who have served.