The bill H. 3446 amends Section 51-3-60 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which pertains to the use of state park facilities by aged, blind, or disabled veterans. The amendment specifies that individuals over sixty-five years of age or those who are disabled or legally blind can access state park facilities without charge, excluding campsites, overnight lodging, and recreation buildings. It also allows these residents to use campsite facilities at half the prescribed fee. To exercise this privilege, individuals must present valid forms of identification, which now include a birth certificate, state-issued driver's license or identification card, REAL ID, valid unexpired passport, military-issued identification, or dependent identification card, in addition to the previously required Medicare card or other approved identification.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "disabled" as the inability to perform substantial gainful employment due to a medically-determinable impairment lasting twelve months or more. It also allows South Carolina residents who are veterans and classified as permanently and totally disabled by the Veterans Administration to enter state parks without charge, provided they present an identification card from the county veterans affairs officer. The bill emphasizes that the authorization for facility use is not valid if it conflicts with any federal laws, rules, or regulations. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 51-3-60
Latest Version: 51-3-60