Why It Matters: The 2026 Arizona Legislative Session is already off to a strong start, with several proposed bills that are relevant to sportsmen and women across the state. This includes complimentary licenses for veterans which would impact conservation funding in Arizona and membership requirements for the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, which could potentially restrict access and opportunity for sportsmen and women.
Highlights:
- Arizona Senate Bill 1155, currently assigned to the Senate Rules Committee, the Senate Government Institutions Committee, and the Senate ATT Committee proposes changes to complimentary and reduced-fee licenses for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Arizona House Bill 2162, also in Committee, would require that at least one member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission be a cattleman or rancher.
- Early engagement is critical as the legislative session gains momentum, and the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation (CSF) is working closely with the Arizona Legislators for Wildlife Caucus and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to ensure that the voices of sportsmen and women are represented at the Capitol.
The 2026 Arizona Legislative Session convened on January 12, 2026. The session is already well underway, with legislation introduced that impacts sportsmen. As of February 2nd, all Senate bills have been introduced, with the House bill introduction deadline set for February 9th. CSF will remain engaged throughout the session and provide ongoing updates on legislation impacting sportsmen and women.
Under current law, veterans must have a 100 percent service-connected disability to qualify for a free license, and those with a service-connected disability can receive a reduced fee license. Senate Bill 1155 would alter the law so that any veteran with a service-connected disability would be able to receive a complimentary license. While providing free licenses to veterans with disabilities can be a meaningful way for Arizona to honor those who have served, CSF recognizes that hunting and fishing license revenue plays a critical role in funding wildlife conservation. Any expansion of complimentary licenses should be coordinated with AZGFD to ensure the agency is reimbursed for lost revenue to support conservation efforts.
In addition to legislation affecting license fees, lawmakers are also considering changes to the structure of Arizona’s wildlife governance. House Bill 2162 would require that at least one member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission be a cattleman or rancher. This bill is controversial because it guarantees a board seat for one industry, without providing similar assurances for hunters, anglers, and trappers. CSF views it as imperative that sportsmen and women are on fish and game commissions, so that they may advance and protect the time-honored traditions that define America’s sporting heritage.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation will continue to monitor SB 1155, HB 2162, and other legislation throughout Arizona’s 2026 legislative session. CSF will keep championing the interests of sportsmen and women in partnership with the Arizona Legislators for Wildlife Caucus, AZGFD, and our in-state partners to ensure their voices are represented in Arizona.
Related Policy
Summary Revenue from sporting licenses is a crucial element for funding state fish and wildlife...
