1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to game and fish; modifying permit provisions for disabled hunters;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 97B.055, subdivision 3.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 97B.055, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
1.6 		Subd. 3.Hunting from vehicle by disabled hunters. (a) The commissioner may 
1.7 	issue a special permit, without a fee, to discharge a firearm or bow and arrow from a 
1.8 	stationary motor vehicle to a person who obtains the required licenses and who has a 
1.9 	permanent or chronic physical disability that is more substantial than discomfort from 
1.10 	walking. The permit recipient must be:
1.11 	(1) unable to step from a vehicle without aid of a wheelchair, crutches, braces, or 
1.12 	other mechanical support or prosthetic device; or
1.13 	(2) unable to walk any distance because of a permanent or chronic lung, heart, 
1.14 	or other internal disease ~~that requires the person to use supplemental oxygen to assist~~ 
1.15 	~~breathing~~.
1.16 	(b) The permanent or chronic physical disability must be established by medical 
1.17 	evidence verified in writing by a licensed physician or chiropractor. The commissioner 
1.18 	may request additional information from the physician or chiropractor if needed to 
1.19 	verify the applicant's eligibility for the permit. Notwithstanding section  97A.418, the 
1.20 	commissioner may, in consultation with appropriate advocacy groups, establish reasonable 
1.21 	minimum standards for permits to be issued under this section. In addition to providing 
1.22 	the medical evidence of a permanent or chronic disability, the applicant must possess a 
1.23 	valid disability parking certificate authorized by section  169.345 or license plates issued 
1.24 	under section  168.021. 
2.1 	(c) A person issued a special permit under this subdivision and hunting deer may 
2.2 	take a deer of either sex, except in those antlerless permit areas and seasons where no 
2.3 	antlerless permits are offered. This subdivision does not authorize another member of a 
2.4 	party to take an antlerless deer under section  97B.301, subdivision 3. 
2.5 	(d) A permit issued under this subdivision is valid for five years.
2.6 	(e) The commissioner may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under 
2.7 	this section for cause, including a violation of the game and fish laws or rules.
2.8 	(f) A person who knowingly makes a false application or assists another in making a 
2.9 	false application for a permit under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. A physician or 
2.10 	chiropractor who fraudulently certifies to the commissioner that a person is permanently 
2.11 	or chronically disabled as described in this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.