Senate Passes Patton Bill Giving State Park Discounts To Veterans

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 223, legislation sponsored by State Senator Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) that establishes a discount program for veterans and service members for state park services and rentals.

“We can never do enough for the veterans who have served and are serving our country, and especially those suffering from post-traumatic stress," said Senator Patton. "Experiencing the natural scenery of our state parks will offer a respite for our active and retired military members without needing to leave our state. We remain committed to making Ohio the best state in the nation for veterans to live, work, and retire.”

Senate Bill 223 requires the Ohio Department of Natural Resources adopt rules establishing a discount program for all veterans and service members for all park services and rentals. The discount must be at least 25% off for those services and rentals.

To be eligible for this discount program, veterans and service members must present one of the following valid forms of documentation:

• An Ohio veteran ID card
• A U.S. Department of Defense authorized common access card
• A U.S. Department of Defense uniformed services identification and privilege card DD form 1173
• A U.S. Department of Defense issued next generation USID card
• A military annual pass or military lifetime pass version of the national parks and federal recreational lands pass
• A Veteran Health Identification card

This legislation has been sent to the Ohio House for further consideration.

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