This bill amends South Dakota law to provide free admission to state parks and recreation areas for current and former members of the South Dakota National Guard, as well as their spouses and dependents. The new provisions specify that individuals eligible for free admission include those who have received a veteran allotment for total disability due to a service-connected injury, have received the United States Veterans' Administration K Award, were held as prisoners of war, served on active duty in the armed forces and are classified as totally disabled, served in the armed forces reserve, or are current or retired members of the South Dakota National Guard. Additionally, spouses and dependents of these individuals are also eligible.

The bill also introduces a provision for a fifty percent discount on camping fees for those who qualify under the specified categories. Individuals qualifying for free admission under the first five subdivisions will receive a lifetime park entrance license, while those qualifying under subdivisions six or seven will receive an annual park entrance license. Furthermore, the Game, Fish and Parks Commission is tasked with establishing rules for the criteria and procedures for obtaining free admission and reduced fees, as well as for issuing the lifetime park entrance licenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/22/2025: 41-17-13.4