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HB 4520

Provide 25% Discount to WV Residents using State Parks

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 3 co-sponsors

HB 4520 mandates 25% discount on West Virginia state park fees for residents, potentially reducing park revenue and requiring budget reallocation or alternative funding.

To House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 4520

Legislative bill overview

HB 4520 would establish a 25% discount on fees and services for West Virginia residents using state parks. The bill was recently introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates and referred to the House Finance Committee for review. The discount would apply to resident park users, though specific details about which fees and services are covered require examination of the full bill text.

Why is this important

State parks generate revenue through entrance fees, camping, recreational programs, and facility rentals that fund maintenance and operations. A 25% resident discount could increase park usage and accessibility for West Virginia residents while reducing projected revenue—requiring either budget adjustments, operational cuts, or alternative funding sources. This directly affects both park finances and the state's broader budget allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: A 25% discount on resident fees could significantly reduce park operating budgets; the bill may not specify how lost revenue will be replaced
  • Fairness questions: Whether out-of-state visitors should subsidize resident discounts, and whether all residents (regardless of income) benefit equally from the discount
  • Implementation costs: Administrative expenses for verifying residency and processing discounted rates could offset some savings for residents
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether the discount applies to all park services or only certain activities, and how it affects concessionaires and contracted vendors

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

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