Relating to an exemption to the fishing license requirement for certain residents engaged in fishing in public waters.

HB 1117 exempts certain Texas residents from needing a fishing license when fishing in public waters. It specifically adds an exemption for residents aged 70 or older (Section 1(7)), while also maintaining existing exemptions for people with disabilities under medical therapy, veterans under specific rules, and others. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and clarifies that the Parks and Wildlife Department will not refund licenses purchased by the 70+ group before this date. This directly affects older Texans and certain other groups by removing a cost barrier for recreational fishing.