Committee hears testimony on bill to waive Michigan recreation passport fee for veterans

The Michigan House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism on Aug. 20 heard testimony on House Bill 4743, sponsored by Representative Aaron Wolford, a measure that would exempt Michigan veterans from the state recreation passport fee required to enter state parks.

A veteran testifying in support told the committee that veterans ‘‘have answered the call to defend freedom, often at extreme personal cost’’ and that state parks ‘‘provide spaces for peace, reflection, and connection.’’ The witness said the exemption would apply to ‘‘all veterans regardless of discharge status or service era’’ and framed the bill as ‘‘practical’’ and ‘‘respectful.’’

The bill drew broad sympathetic remarks from lawmakers, who cited mental-health benefits and opportunities for families. Representative Matt McFall, vice chair of the committee, said he is ‘‘a big mental-health proponent’’ and noted testimony about nature’s…