AUGUSTA (AP) — More disabled Maine veterans will soon be eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses under a new state law.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage signed a bill this week to provide free hunting, trapping and fishing licenses for Maine veterans with a 50 percent disabled rating.

Previously, only veterans with a disability rating of 100 percent and some with 70 percent were able to get free licenses.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Corey Wilson, R-Augusta. He told the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee that many veterans who are eligible for free licenses are unable to take advantage of them because their injuries are too debilitating.

The bill goes into effect in 90 days. The state it will result in a loss of about $25,000 in fee revenue this year.

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