Bill Introduced to Offer Free Elk Licenses to Disabled Veterans
House Bill 272 Introduced by Rep. Phillip Archuleta

SANTA FE, NM – Rep. Phillip M. Archuleta (D-Doña Ana-36) has introduced a bill proposing the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish issue at least five free elk hunting licenses to certain Disabled Veterans of the United States Military. The bill directs the State Game Commission (SGC) to develop and adopt rules to implement the distribution of the free licenses.
 
HB 272 provides for the following:

• Asks the Department of Game and Fish to set aside at least five (5) free Elk Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans
• Eligible Veterans must have a service-related disability of at least 50%
• The service-related disability must be certified by the VA (Veterans Administration)
• Eligible Disabled Veterans will have the opportunity to submit their names for a yearly drawing
• If selected for the free Elk Hunting License, the Disabled Veteran shall not receive another Elk License

Rep. Phillip Archuleta says, "There are so many Disabled Veterans who cannot afford an Elk Hunting License.  This is just one small gesture to show our appreciation of their service to our country."
 
House Bill 272 is now being heard in the Health, Government and Indian Affairs Committee.