WEST virginia legislature
2024 regular session
Committee Substitute
for
Senate Bill 222
By Senators Weld, Stuart, Trump, Caputo, Grady, Chapman, and Smith
[Passed March 9, 2024; in effect 90 days from passage]
AN ACT 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:
(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 park activities.
(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. §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 December 1, 2024, the director shall submit to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance 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.