SB 190: Parks, Historic Areas, Memorials, and Recreation; certain fee waivers for active duty members of the military, veterans, and family members; provide

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Discussed in meetings (9)

The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.

1. Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, February 23, 2026

   From 0:12:43 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor presented the bill as discounted access to parks, historic sites and memorials for service members, veterans and families, including Gold Star families. Later, the sponsor identified language replacing a discount with a waiver and confirmed National Guard coverage. A Marine Corps veteran described outdoor activities as helping recovery and connection after deployment. A witness for Humble Warrior Wellness and Yoga said admission costs discourage participation and argued increased visitor spending could offset lost fees. A witness for The Vet Space described nature’s role in recovery from suicidal depression and urged passage without changes. One member questioned maintenance costs and requested a fiscal analysis. Another supported a full waiver even if other visitors paid more. A member proposed deleting “disabled” from line 50 to extend eligibility, but no amendment vote occurred. A supporting witness said current discounts depend on disability and described the bill as covering parking and annual passes, not lodging. DNR’s deputy commissioner clarified that all veterans and active-duty members already receive 25% off parking passes, while separate disability discounts cover lodging and recreation. The deputy commissioner estimated military discounts cover 20% of daily passes and 10% of annual passes, and said roughly $7 million in annual pass revenue funds maintenance. Lodging-use figures were unavailable. Asked about reservation limits, the deputy commissioner said 14 days. Despite a motion and second, no vote occurred. The chair held the bill for fiscal analysis and said it would be first at the next meeting.

2. Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, March 2, 2026

   From 0:35:43 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The chair postponed SB 190 until after the other two bills. When discussion resumed, a committee member explained that the substitute corrected an inconsistent reference to disabled veterans. The sponsor proposed removing active-duty service members, saying they already received the benefits. Three veterans testified in support of park access. A Navy veteran described how health conditions and noise limited access to public spaces, while supported hikes provided opportunities for rehabilitation. A second Navy veteran, representing Women Veterans Company and other outdoor groups, said outdoor activities reduced isolation and supported wellness, and that the bill would remove financial barriers. That witness reported helping lead about 163 women into outdoor experiences. A retired Army veteran who helps organize Humble Warrior Wellness & Yoga events described participants forming bonds and feeling comfortable in state parks, and called the proposal fiscally responsible. The sponsor formally offered an amendment deleting active-duty references and related language, with renumbering as needed. After clarifying the amendment and voting procedure, the committee approved the amendment and then recommended passage of the substitute as amended. Both voice votes had no opposition heard; no numerical counts were announced.

3. Senate Rules Committee, March 3, 2026

   From 0:30:44 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: A member briefly named SB 190 during calendar selections. The chair did not accept that choice, and the member moved to another selection. No provisions were discussed, and the transcript does not show this bill being placed on the calendar.

4. Senate Rules Committee, March 5, 2026

   From 0:33:14 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said SB 190 would waive state-park entrance fees for veterans and Gold Star families. Questions clarified that the waiver would cover all veterans, not only disabled veterans, and would not cover cabins or campsites. The sponsor said active-duty service members had been removed from the proposal because they already receive services on military posts. The chair described the change as eliminating the remaining $25 charge on a $50 annual pass and said about 300 people had used the existing discount the previous year; the sponsor agreed. A speaker put the fiscal estimate at a little over $11,000. The committee unanimously included the bill in the floor-calendar package.

5. Senate floor session, March 6, 2026 (legislative day 28, part 2)

   From 3:51:00 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel · Confirmed by the bill's status history (Senate Taken from Table)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The clerk described a committee substitute providing certain park and recreation fee waivers for veterans and family members. The sponsor said the bill would serve veterans and Gold Star families by improving access to outdoor spaces that can support peace, reflection, and mental health. No questions or opposing speeches followed. The Senate adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill, 50-0.

• Read aloud: Senate floor session, March 3, 2026 (legislative day 26), 0:37:07
• Read aloud: Senate floor session, March 4, 2026 (legislative day 27), 0:47:08
• Read aloud: House floor session, March 9, 2026 (legislative day 29), 0:49:42
• Read aloud: House floor session, March 10, 2026 (legislative day 30), 0:41:19

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