Grants certain first responders free use of state parks and campsites

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Durso

Grants designated first responders free access to state parks and campsites, with eligibility rules defined in the bill; supports responders' welfare and recreation.

REFERRED TO TOURISM, PARKS, ARTS AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

Overview

Bill Number: A 9052

Title: Grants certain first responders free use of state parks and campsites

Introduced: September 5, 2025

Status: REFERRED to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

Sponsors: Michael Durso (primary)

This bill proposes to provide free access to state parks and campsites for designated first responders. The text available here does not specify which groups are included, how eligibility is determined, or any limitations, so those details would be defined in the bill’s full language and any amendments.

Purpose and Intent

To recognize and support the work of first responders (the bill uses the term “certain first responders”) by waiving fees for using state parks and campsites.

Aims to provide tangible benefits that could support the welfare, morale, and recreational opportunities of first responders through public park resources.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the description)

Fee Waiver: The core provision would grant free use of state parks and campsites to designated first responders.

Eligibility: The bill would designate which first responders qualify (e.g., by occupation or employment status). The specific definitions and eligibility criteria would be set out in the bill’s text.

Access Scope: The policy covers access to state parks and camping areas; any limits on days, sites, or simultaneous use are not specified in the summary.

Administration: Implementation would involve confirming eligibility and processing waivers through the relevant state parks authority or department.

Note: The exact conditions, such as proof of eligibility, blackout periods, duration of the waiver, and whether family members are included, are not provided here and would be defined in the finalized bill language.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Primary Beneficiaries: Designated first responders (e.g., police, fire, EMS workers) and potentially their immediate family, depending on the bill’s text.

State Parks System: Would need procedures to verify eligibility, process waivers, and manage the fee waiver program.

State Revenue/Operations: Possible reduction in park and campsite fee revenues; potential administrative costs to implement and maintain the program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: September 5, 2025

Current Status: Referred to the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development committee. The action appears twice in the record on the same day, indicating two identical referrals were recorded.

Next Steps: The bill would move through committee consideration, potential amendments, and then floor action in the legislative chamber. If passed, it would proceed to the governor for approval or veto, depending on the legislative process.

Notes for Readers

The summary reflects information provided in the bill overview. Specific eligibility criteria, definitions of “first responders,” any residency or other restrictions, oversight mechanisms, funding sources, and the effective date are not included in the provided details and would be clarified in the full bill text and any committee amendments.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal implications or compare it to similar fee-waiver programs in other jurisdictions once you provide or locate the bill’s full language.

Bill