This bill proposes to exempt honorably discharged New Hampshire veterans from day-use admission fees and metered parking fees at state parks. The new legal language inserted into RSA 216-A:3-g establishes that no fees will be charged for admission to day-use areas of the state park system for these veterans, and vehicles displaying a veteran license plate will not incur metered parking fees at state parks. Acceptable proof of honorable discharge can include a veteran license plate, a DD-214 form, or other recognized documentation. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

The fiscal impact of this bill is expected to result in a decrease in revenue for the State Park Fund, estimated to range from $200,000 to $450,000 annually starting in FY 2027. This estimate is based on the assumption that approximately 7% of New Hampshire residents are veterans, and between 33% and 75% of park visitors are state residents. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources anticipates that the bill will not increase state expenditures or require additional staffing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 216-A:3-g
HB1768 text: 216-A:3-g