WEST CHESTER, PA — On Monday, State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, celebrated the unanimous, bipartisan approval of H.B. 877 by the Fish and Game Committee. The approval of House Bill 877 would permit the state attorney general to enter into agreements with other states, recognizing lawfully issued licenses for active-duty and disabled-veteran hunting and fishing. “Allowing our active-duty military and disabled-veteran anglers and hunters to save on costs will open up more opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors,” said Pielli, a retired Army veteran.
Pielli said, “[House Bill 877] could attract more nonresident military sportsmen to travel here, which will boost our economic growth through an increase in sportsmen’s spending – something that the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs fully supports. Veterans served the entire country, not just a single state. Thus, they should be able to enjoy nature and the great outdoors across the nation without obstacles.”
According to Pielli, there are numerous benefits of this bill, and some of these are related to the mental health of veterans. “As the move toward ‘therapeutic fishing and hunting’ for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) gains steam, I think now is the perfect time to revive the support this legislation received in the past because it can help address the mental health pressures and challenges that veterans face after serving our country. I appreciate and thank my colleagues in the Fish and Game Committee for their full support of this bill, which will not only support the veterans but will also promote outdoor activities in general.”
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.