WEST virginia legislature

2021 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Bill 586

By Senators Baldwin, Stollings, Caputo, Lindsay, Ihlenfeld, Jeffries, and Romano

[Originating in the Committee on Military; reported on March 18, 2021]

 

 

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §20-5-23, relating to the development of an incentive plan for West Virginia veterans which includes reductions and discounts in fees and charges at state parks.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 5. PARKS AND RECREATION.

 §20-5-23.  Development of comprehensive incentive plan for West Virginia veterans.

(a) The director, in consultation with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Veterans’ Assistance, shall develop a comprehensive plan for the development of, and support for, a program which encourages the use of state parks and forests by veterans of this state. The plan may include, without being limited to, reduced or discounted rates on charges and fees for campground rental fees, lodging, and visitor passes.

(b) For purposes of this section, “veteran” means any West Virginia resident who has served as an active member of the armed forces of the United States, the National Guard, or a reserve component as described in 38 U.S.C. 36 §101. Notwithstanding any provision in this code to the contrary, a veteran must be honorably discharged or under honorable conditions as described in 38 U.S.C. §101.

(c) No later than March 12, 2022, the director shall submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates a written report detailing the program developed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(d) The director shall promulgate rules, including emergency rules, if necessary, to the Legislature in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code.