Senate OKs 25% state park discount for veterans and active service members

The Ohio Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 223, requiring the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to establish a program that provides a 25% discount on state park parking and rental fees for veterans and active military service members. The chamber recorded 33 ayes and 0 nays on final passage.

Senator Patton, sponsor of the bill, described the measure as an expansion of existing military discounts for overnight camping and said it would eliminate the advanced‑reservation requirement while applying the larger discount more broadly to day‑use fees and equipment rentals. Patton said there is no Ohio residency requirement to receive the discount and urged the measure as a way to encourage veterans to use state parks and remain in the state for retirement.

Senator Weinstein and Senator Craig spoke in support, with Weinstein emphasizing that time in nature can aid veterans coping with invisible wounds such as PTSD and that expanded access is a meaningful gesture of thanks. No opposition to the bill was expressed during floor debate.

The clerk recorded a unanimous 33–0 roll call. The chamber agreed to the bill title before adjournment; the transcript did not include details on program rollout timing or expected fiscal impact.