West Virginia House Bill HB5490

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/26
• Refer: 2/13/26

Caption

Providing a discount for green fees at West Virginia State Parks.

Impact

If enacted, HB5490 will amend the Code of West Virginia to establish this discount, enhancing recreational opportunities for local residents and potentially boosting attendance at state parks during traditionally lower visit periods. The bill also stipulates that those wishing to avail themselves of the discount must possess a valid driver’s license or Real ID, ensuring that the benefit is targeted appropriately towards state residents. Additionally, the director of state parks is authorized to propose rules to implement this discount effectively.

Summary

House Bill 5490 proposes a 20 percent discount on golf green fees for West Virginia residents at state parks on designated low play days—specifically Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. This initiative intends to promote the use of golf facilities at state parks, encouraging residents to take advantage of the recreational offerings available in their local areas. The bill emphasizes the provision of affordable access to state resources, aligning with broader goals of enhancing community engagement with outdoor activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HB5490 appears generally positive, as it reflects an effort to make state parks more accessible and enjoyable for West Virginia residents. Supporters of the bill may view this initiative as a meaningful way to promote outdoor activities and support local tourism efforts. However, potential criticisms may arise around the specifics of the implementation, such as the rules governing peak periods of occupancy and any restrictions that might limit the availability of the discount during busy times.

Contention

While the bill seems to garner support for encouraging park use, there may be concerns about its implications on park management and revenue. By discounting fees on certain days, there could be challenges related to resource allocation on those days, such as maintaining the quality of services at state parks. Moreover, the exclusion of peak periods from the discount provisions raises questions regarding fairness and access for all residents, which could lead to discussions about how to balance state capacity with public access.