UP Gazette

State Rep. Dave Prestin, alongside State Reps. Kathy Schmaltz and Tyrone Carter, has put forth a legislative proposal aiming to provide EMS personnel, firefighters, law enforcement, and corrections officers with complimentary hunting and fishing licenses. The initiative comes in response to the critical staffing shortages faced by these professions.

"These bills are a part of a series of incremental improvements to make these jobs more desirable. These bills are an important step toward reversing staffing shortages," Prestin expressed. "I know that many EMS personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers are also passionate outdoorsmen. Something as simple as free licenses will remind current and future staff they’re appreciated every time they want to go hunting or fishing."

The proposed House Bills 5558-5560 seek to grant Michigan hunting and fishing licenses at no cost to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, EMS personnel, and firefighters. Notably, licenses secured through a lottery system would not be eligible for the complimentary purchase. Prestin, who brings firsthand experience as a licensed paramedic, volunteer firefighter, and avid outdoorsman with over 13 years of service as a first responder, underscores the significance of this gesture.

"EMS, firefighters, corrections officers, and law enforcement are all facing crisis-level staffing shortages, especially in the Upper Peninsula," Prestin, representing R-Cedar River, emphasized. "The people that provide these services to the public do more for us than we could ever compensate. We owe them more, and this is a good faith gesture of appreciation from the state for everything they sacrifice. The old methods of hiring aren’t working anymore. We need to find new ways to recruit and retain quality staff."

The proposed bills, HBs 5558-5560, have been forwarded to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further evaluation.