A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 51-3-60, RELATING TO USE OF STATE PARK FACILITIES FREE OF CHARGE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IMMEDIATE GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBERS MAY ENTER ANY STATE PARK WITHOUT CHARGE.
Summary
H4297 amends South Carolina’s state park admissions law to add a new category of people who may enter state parks without charge. Under current law, certain South Carolina residents already receive free or reduced-cost access based on age, disability, blindness, or qualifying veteran status. The bill expands that list to include immediate Gold Star Family members, as classified by the U.S. Department of Defense, allowing them to enter any state park free of charge.
The bill is narrow in scope and does not change park operations beyond the admission fee exemption. It retains the existing free-entry provisions for seniors, disabled residents, legally blind residents, and permanently and totally disabled veterans, while adding Gold Star family members to the same no-charge category. The act would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Impact
H4297 would amend Section 51-3-60 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which governs free or discounted use of state park facilities. The practical effect is to expand the class of residents eligible for free admission to state parks, increasing the number of people who may enter without paying fees. The bill does not alter eligibility for campsites, overnight lodging, or recreation buildings beyond the existing statutory framework, and it leaves the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism responsible for administering the exemption.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be a straightforward, supportive recognition bill with little visible controversy. Its purpose is to extend a benefit to Gold Star families, a group generally viewed favorably in public policy discussions. The overall sentiment is likely positive, with the bill framed as a modest gesture of appreciation and support for families who have lost a service member.
Contention
No committee transcripts or vote history are available, so no specific objections were recorded in the provided materials. Potential points of discussion would likely center on the fiscal impact of additional free admissions, the administrative process for verifying Gold Star Family status, and whether the exemption should be limited to South Carolina residents. However, the bill text itself suggests limited controversy because it simply adds another qualifying group to an existing fee-waiver statute.