WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2023 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

Senate Bill 493

By Senators Weld, Deeds, Phillips, Chapman, and Caputo

[Introduced January 27, 2023; referred
to the Committee on Military]

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.  West Virginia veterans exempt from certain charges and fees.

(a) The director shall develop a plan that allows for free visitor passes to state parks and forests for veterans of this state.  

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