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HB 5102

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE PASSPORT TO THE PARKS PROGRAM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gale Mastrofrancesco

Connecticut bill to eliminate the Passport to the Parks program, potentially reducing affordable public park access for residents while affecting revenue and outdoor recreation participation.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
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Bill Summary · HB 5102

Legislative bill overview

HB 5102 would eliminate Connecticut's "Passport to the Parks" program, which currently provides residents with discounted or free access to state parks and recreational facilities. The bill represents a straightforward repeal of this existing program without establishing a replacement initiative.

Why is this important

The Passport to the Parks program has historically served as an affordability tool for lower and middle-income Connecticut residents to access outdoor recreation. Eliminating it could reduce park visitation rates among price-sensitive populations and affect the state's public health and environmental engagement goals, while potentially generating revenue if parks shift to higher user fees.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: Elimination may disproportionately impact lower-income families and reduce equitable access to public natural resources
  • Revenue implications: Unclear whether elimination aims to increase fee-based revenue or simply eliminate program administration costs
  • Public health impact: May reduce outdoor recreation participation, with downstream effects on community health and youth engagement with nature

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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