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Senate narrowly approves discounted state park access for veterans amid fiscal concern
Summary
The Senate approved a bill to continue a veterans' state-park discount program, setting a minimum 25% discount for resident, honorably discharged veterans; the measure passed 15-14 after debate about park self-sufficiency.
First substitute Senate Bill 114, which continues and modifies a pilot program offering discounted state park access to veterans, passed the Utah Senate after close debate and a 15-14 vote.
Senator Kwan, the bill sponsor, said the measure codifies a program piloted in 2024 and establishes a minimum 25% discount for resident veterans who are honorably discharged. "What we have here is... an agreement of a 25% at least a 25% discount," Kwan said during floor remarks describing consultations with the Department of State Parks and the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.
Opponents urged caution, citing the long-standing directive that State Parks operate with self-sufficiency. One senator warned that repeated exemptions make it harder for State Parks to meet that obligation and called the measure "a little premature." The senator added that exemptions shift costs away from park users and toward park operations.
After floor discussion and a roll call, the Senate certified the tally: 15 yeas, 14 nays, 0 absent, which the clerk recorded as sufficient for the bill to be read a third time and continue through the legislative process.
The sponsor and supporters said the 25% baseline gives State Parks flexibility to increase discounts over time if budgets permit. Opponents asked for more complete season-long usage data before making the program permanent.
Votes at a glance: First substitute Senate Bill 114 — Passes 15-14; bill continues veterans' discount program with at least a 25% discount for eligible veterans.
