AB595: Bill Text

LRB-2964/2

RNK:wlj:rs

2009 - 2010 LEGISLATURE

2009 Assembly BILL 595

November 24, 2009 - Introduced by Representatives Vruwink, Zigmunt, Turner, Danou, Berceau, Smith, Ballweg, Mursau, Ripp, Suder and Gunderson, cosponsored by Senators Taylor, Schultz and Coggs. Referred to Committee on Fish and Wildlife.

AB595,1,3 An Act to amend 29.193 (2) (b) 2. and 29.193 (2) (b) 3.; and to create 29.193 (2) (c) 2g. of the statutes; relating to: hunting permits issued to persons who are terminally ill.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Under current law, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is authorized to issue a Class A hunting permit to an applicant who is permanently disabled or a Class B hunting permit to a person who has a temporary disability. Current law specifies the types of disabilities that qualify an applicant for a Class A or Class B permit. The permits extend to a holder of a hunting license certain hunting privileges that are otherwise not granted under the license. Among those privileges is the privilege to use a crossbow while hunting or to hunt from a stationary vehicle. When an applicant applies for a Class A or Class B permit, the applicant must authorize DNR by written release to examine all medical records regarding the applicant's physical disability in order for DNR to determine whether the applicant qualifies for the permit.

This bill requires DNR to issue a Class B permit to an applicant who submits a statement from a licensed physician that the applicant has a physical disability that restricts mobility or ambulation due to a terminal illness. The bill prohibits DNR from requiring the applicant to authorize DNR to examine the applicant's medical records regarding the applicant's physical disability or terminal illness.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

AB595, s. 1 Section 1. 29.193 (2) (b) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB595,2,6 29.193 (2) (b) 2. An Except as provided in par. (c) 2g., an applicant shall submit an application on a form prepared and furnished by the department, which shall include a written statement or report prepared and signed by a licensed physician or licensed chiropractor, prepared no more than 6 months preceding the application and verifying that the applicant is physically disabled.

AB595, s. 2 Section 2. 29.193 (2) (b) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB595,2,11 29.193 (2) (b) 3. As Except as provided in par. (c) 2g., as part of the application for a Class A or Class B permit under this subsection, the applicant shall authorize the department by written release to examine all medical records regarding the applicant's physical disability.

AB595, s. 3 Section 3. 29.193 (2) (c) 2g. of the statutes is created to read:

AB595,2,20 29.193 (2) (c) 2g. The department shall issue a Class B permit under this subsection to an applicant upon submission by the applicant of a statement from a licensed physician that the applicant has a physical disability that restricts mobility or ambulation due to a terminal illness. The department may not require a written release from the applicant authorizing the department to examine the applicant's medical records regarding the applicant's physical disability or terminal illness. Notwithstanding par. (b) 1., the department is not required to conduct an investigation before issuing a Class B permit under this subdivision.

AB595,2,21 (End)