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MD

Bill

HB 5011

AN ACT EXEMPTING VETERANS FROM THE PASSPORT TO THE PARKS FEE WHEN REGISTERING A MOTOR VEHICLE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark DeCaprio and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill exempts military veterans from optional state parks fee during vehicle registration, reducing program funding without identified revenue replacement mechanism.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#motorvehicleregistrationfees #stateparks #veterans
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Bill Summary · HB 5011

Legislative bill overview

HB 5011 would exempt veterans from paying the "Passport to the Parks" fee when registering motor vehicles in Connecticut. The Passport to the Parks program is a voluntary add-on fee during vehicle registration that funds state parks and recreational areas. This bill would provide automatic exemption for veterans without requiring them to pay this optional fee.

Why is this important

Veterans' benefits and recognition programs affect how states honor military service while managing funding for public amenities. This change would reduce registration costs for veterans, though it also reduces revenue to the parks program unless alternative funding is identified or the fee burden shifts to other vehicle owners.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: The bill doesn't specify how lost Passport to the Parks revenue would be replaced, potentially affecting park maintenance and improvement funding
  • Equity of benefit structure: Questions about whether a voluntary fee exemption is the most meaningful or efficient way to support veterans compared to other potential benefits
  • Scope definition: Unclear whether "veterans" includes all honorably discharged veterans or has other eligibility requirements, and whether surviving spouses or dependents are included

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

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