Senate Passes Brewster Bill to Aid Therapeutic Fishing Programs

The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved a bill by Sen. Jim Brewster aimed at helping veterans and others who are “in recovery” by waiving license fees for recreational fishing within the confines of an approved program.

PA Senate Bill 241, will exempt the cost of fishing licenses in Pennsylvania for veterans and other individuals taking steps towards physical or mental recovery as part of therapeutic angling events sponsored by established service groups such as Project Healing Waters. (Click here for text). The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission estimated in 2018 that more than 60 different service organizations and hundreds of unique one-day fishing opportunity events across the Commonwealth would have qualified for exemption under the provisions of the bill.

“Fishing, like all outdoor recreation, is healthy fun, healthy for the economy and we now know that it can be an important part of the health of thousands of Pennsylvanians trying to overcome challenges,” Brewster said. “I’m looking forward to seeing hundreds of events across Pennsylvania that provide opportunities for recreational and therapeutic angling.”

The bill now goes to the House.