Bill
A 4418
Bill Summary: A 4418 - Free Use of Cabins and Cottages for Veterans OverviewThis bill, A 4418, seeks to grant free use of cabins and cottages located in public places of recreation
This bill, A 4418, seeks to grant free use of cabins and cottages located in public places of recreation to military veterans. The bill was introduced on February 4, 2025 and has been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
The main elements of the bill are:
Free Access for Veterans: The bill would require state and local governments to provide free use of any cabins, cottages, or similar accommodations located in public parks, forests, or other recreational areas to military veterans.
Eligibility: To qualify, a person must be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves. The bill does not specify any additional eligibility criteria.
Duration of Use: Veterans would be entitled to use the cabins and cottages for up to 7 consecutive days per visit, with no limit on the number of visits per year.
Maintenance Costs: The state or local government agency that owns the recreational area would be responsible for covering the maintenance and operational costs associated with providing free use of the cabins and cottages to veterans.
If enacted, this bill could provide greater outdoor recreational opportunities and access to nature for military veterans at no personal cost. It may help address potential financial and accessibility barriers that some veterans face when trying to enjoy state and local park facilities.
The bill may result in increased usage and demand for cabin and cottage accommodations in public recreational areas, which could require additional funding and resources for maintenance and operations. State and local governments would need to determine how to implement and administer the free access program for veterans.
This bill, A 4418, has been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration. It has several related prior-session bills, including A 5286, A 3307, A 3856, and A 2270, as well as a current companion bill, S 2723, that has been introduced in the State Senate.
The bill's progress and potential for enactment will depend on the committee's review, any amendments made, and the overall legislative agenda and priorities of the state government.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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