CS/HB 663 — State Forests
by Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; and Rep. Steube and others (SB 850 by Senators Hays and Altman)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
The bill directs the Division of Forestry within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to designate one or more areas on state forest lands as a “Wounded Warrior Special Hunt Area” to provide special outdoor recreational opportunities exclusively for disabled veterans and servicemembers. The bill limits admittance to these designated areas to: an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces who has a combat-related injury; a veteran who served during a period of wartime or peacetime service and has a service-connected disability; and an individual accompanying an eligible veteran or servicemember to assist him or her in using such designated areas.
The Friends of State Forests Program created under s. 589.012, F.S., will fund the required specialized accommodations needed to establish the “Wounded Warrior Special Hunt Areas.”
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2011.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 118-0