House approves bill linking PGA HOPE participants to state parks benefits

On Feb. 12 the Kentucky House passed House Bill 436, a measure related to state parks that the sponsor said would include benefits for veterans who participate in PGA HOPE, a program the sponsor described as serving veterans' physical, mental and social well‑being.

The gentleman from Knox, explaining the bill, said he was approached by the PGA of America to bring the PGA HOPE program to Kentucky. He told the House that PGA HOPE has served "over 65,000 veterans since 2015" and operates in more than "624" programs nationwide. Under the approach described on the floor, participants completing the program would receive a card that makes them eligible to play in state parks "and not have to pay a green fee" (participants would still pay cart fees where applicable).

Sponsor remarks emphasized inclusion and no cost to participants, noting the program's 6‑ to 8‑week curriculum and that local programs are led by PGA professionals. The House opened and closed the roll call on the bill and the Clerk announced the bill was passed; the sponsor moved for the 'clincher' and no objection was recorded.

Next steps: HB 436 will move to the Senate for further consideration.