Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
A bill that would provide veterans with discounts at state parks at the same rates that are offered to state employees passed unanimously through the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday.
All nine committee members voted to recommend Senate Bill 0249 (SB0249) for passage.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin-D18), would guarantee discounts “for activities, retail purchases, camping, and lodging at state parks to veterans who are Tennessee residents with the same frequency, and at the same rates, as the discounts for activities, retail purchases, camping, and lodging at state parks that are offered to state employees.”
Tennessee veterans who have service-connected permanent total disabilities would also be guaranteed to receive a discount of at least 50% for camping and overnight cabin lodging fees at state parks.
The legislation stipulates that the discounts only apply to reservations made within 30 days of the intended day and are subject to availability as determined by the commissioner.
SB0249 has been referred to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee for consideration.
The companion House Bill 0328 (HB0328), sponsored by State Representative William Slater (R-Gallatin-D35) has been placed on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee for March 5.
Contact info for the members of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee below:
Rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.greg.martin@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov, rep.aftyn.behn@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tandy.darby@capitol.tn.gov, rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.monty.fritts@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov, rep.bud.hulsey@capitol.tn.gov, rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov, rep.justin.jones@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jay.reedy@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
