Senate Bill 249 amends Tennessee law to enhance state park discounts for veterans who are residents of Tennessee. The bill stipulates that the commissioner must provide discounts for activities, retail purchases, camping, and lodging at state parks to veterans at the same rates as those offered to state employees. Additionally, it introduces a year-round discount of at least 50% on camping and overnight cabin lodging fees specifically for veterans with a service-connected disability rated as 100% permanent total by the veterans' administration.

The bill also establishes requirements for veterans to prove their status and residency to qualify for these discounts. It mandates that veterans present certification from the veterans' administration regarding their disability rating and proof of residency to access the 50% discount. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that these discounts are subject to availability and only apply to reservations made within 30 days of the intended stay. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-3-121(b)(1), 11-3-121, 11-3-121(b)(3), 58-3-112