Rigby Supports Legislation to Give Sportsmen Fee and License Credits

HARTFORD—Connecticut residents who bought hunting and fishing licenses, permits or tags before the legislature reduced the prices last month could be eligible to receive a credit when they buy their new one thanks to legislation approved Tuesday evening, Rep. John Rigby said.

Lawmakers in April approved a reduction to the costs of fishing and hunting licenses as part of a larger effort to eliminate this fiscal year’s budget deficit. The Democrat-led legislature increased the fees during last year’s budget-balancing act—a measure Rigby opposed.

While April’s reduction in fees was welcome news for Connecticut sportsmen, many found little reason to celebrate because they already bought their licenses at the old, higher rate.

According to the legislation pushed by Rigby, the Department of Environmental Protection would give credits to sportsman who forked over money for their fees at the increased rates approved last year. If Gov. M. Jodi Rell signs the bill, the sportsmen would get credits the following year to make up the difference between the more expensive rate and the new fee.

“A lot of folks in my district felt as though they were on a yo-yo string,” said Rigby, of Colebrook. “First the legislature increases the fees, and then it knocked the prices down after people bought them. It was an issue we just had to address before the end of the legislative session.”

Rigby said his office received many telephone calls from people demanding refunds.

It awaits signature from Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

Rep. John Rigby represents the 63rd General Assembly District covering Winsted, North Canaan, Colebrook, Canaan, Hartland, Norfolk and Barkhamsted.