Free state park entry sought for disabled veterans, active military, dependents

Lawmakers and veterans advocates are hoping to extend thanks to men and women currently serving, or who have served, in the military by issuing more free annual passes to the Minnesota State Parks system.

Rep. Mark Uglem

Sponsored by Rep. Mark Uglem (R-Champlin), HF685, as amended, would allow disabled veterans, current military members and their dependents to receive free annual passes. Current law only allows permanently 100 percent disabled veterans to receive annual park passes, while active military members and other disabled veterans receive free one-day passes.

The House Veterans Affairs Division approved the bill Monday and sent it to the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. Its companion, SF450, sponsored by Sen. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), awaits action by the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee.

Uglem called the bill “pretty important.”

“We want to make it as easy as possible for them to enjoy the best Minnesota has to offer,” Uglem said.

The Department of Natural Resources might incur some administrative costs through the program. Peter Hark, the department’s program manager for parks and trails, said making a few changes to “simplifying and streamlining” the administrative processes would help, however.

WATCH Committee discussion of the bill 

“Overall, we fully support this bill,” Hark said.

Ralph Donais, chairman of the United Veterans Legislative Council of Minnesota, said the proposal is an opportunity for the state to embrace servicemen and servicewomen.

“This is why Minnesota should be one of the best places in the United States for veterans and their families to live,” Donais said.