Georgia committee hears bill to waive state park fees for veterans, holds vote pending fiscal analysis

Sen. Wicks presented Senate Bill 190 to the Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security committee, proposing waived or reduced day and annual parking fees for veterans, active-duty service members and Gold Star families at state parks and historic sites. The sponsor said the measure is intended to remove financial barriers to nature-based wellness and to recognize the service of Georgia’s military community.

Supporters told the panel that access to parks helps veterans’ mental health and recovery. Sherman Neal, a United States Marine Corps veteran and deputy campaign director for the Sierra Club’s military outdoors campaign, described the outdoors as a recovery space and said it helps returning service members "bond and come together." Raquel Durden, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and founder of Humble Warrior Wellness, cited National Park Service guidance that "spending 120 minutes per week in nature significantly supports physical and mental well-being" and argued increased visitation would boost local spending in nearby communities. Vidya Barnett, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran and founder of TheVetspace, framed the proposal as suicide-prevention policy and said, "What is the price of even 1 more Georgia veteran dying by suicide because they don't have access to healing?"

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) described the current park system and how the proposal would interact with existing discounts. Trevor Santos, service deputy commissioner with DNR, said the agency operates more than 60 properties across about 88,000 acres, noted the board last year doubled the park-parking pass from $5 to $10, and said DNR currently offers a 25% discount to active-duty military and veterans for daily passes (resulting in a $7.50 day pass) and for certain other accommodations. He told the committee that park-pass revenue (about $7,000,000 per year) is a primary dedicated funding source for maintenance.

Committee members pressed for data on potential costs and operational impacts. Senators raised concerns about management costs tied to campgrounds and RV services (waste removal, pump-out stations), how many veterans would use the benefit, and whether the discount would unintentionally shift costs to DNR. Sen. Patrick asked whether the National Guard and reserve components are included; the sponsor confirmed they are. Members requested that the fiscal office or OPB produce an economic impact or fiscal note estimating the cost to the parks and any offsetting effects from increased visitation.

The committee recorded a motion and second to advance the bill for further consideration but agreed to hold final action until a fiscal analysis can be provided. The chair said he will bring SB190 to the top of the agenda at the next meeting after receiving the requested fiscal information. No formal vote to pass or defeat the bill occurred before adjournment.