A new bill is up for consideration, making it easier for American veterans to visit Utah state parks.
The bill, SB114, in the 2025 Utah legislative session, includes a 25% discount for veterans. This expands the current Disabilities Honor Pass. It’s now in the Senate on the 2nd reading calendar.
The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs and the Department of State Parks both support the discount.
“I wanted to thank those who have served to protect us by offering our state parks; they’re so beautiful and diverse,” said Utah Sen. Karen Kwan, who sponsored the bill. “Just to have the ability for them to get out into nature, it’s such a great way to calm ourselves and just be one with our state parks.”
Currently, disabled Utah veterans can visit state parks for free. If the bill is passed, military veterans who are Utah residents and generally or honorably discharged from service can get a 25% discount on an annual day-use pass at state parks.
The discount program can incentivize veterans to access the different state parks in Utah. The pass will also help them spend time with their families outdoors, strengthen their mental health, and show the state’s gratitude for their service.
“State Parks completely supports this and sees this as a very positive thing,” said Utah Division of State Parks Director Scott Strong. “We’ll be able to get other information and data about the use of this pass. And we’ll also help a segment of our population that really benefit from our outdoors.”
Utah is home to 43 state parks. According to the Utah State Parks website, annual passes are good until the end of the calendar year they were issued. Passes are non-transferable and only good when in the possession of the qualified veteran to whom it was issued.
The passes cannot be used at the “This is the Place” Heritage Center. The Honor Pass is also not usable for special park fees, including camping, golf greens and special program costs.
Pickup locations include the Utah State Parks Region Offices.
Author: Maddi Munro
Photo courtesy of Keith Thompson
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
outdoors@suunews.net
