CS/CS/CS/HB 185 — State Park Fees
by Government Accountability Committee; Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee; and Rep. Lee, Albritton, and others (CS/CS/SB 64 by Appropriations Committee; Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; and Senators Bean, Mayfield, Negron, Baxley, Benacquisto, Book, Bracy, Bradley, Brandes, Braynon, Broxson, Campbell, Clemens, Farmer, Flores, Gainer, Galvano, Garcia Gibson, Grimsley, Hutson, Latvala, Lee, Montford, Passidomo, Perry, Powell, Rader, Rodriguez, Rouson, Simmons, Simpson, Stargel, Steube, Stewart, Thurston, Torres, and Young)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee (EP)
The bill (Chapter 2017-27, L.O.F.) requires the Division of Recreation and Parks (division) of the Department of Environmental Protection to provide free annual state park entrance passes and a 50 percent discount on state park base campsite fees to foster families. In addition, the bill requires the division to provide a one-time free annual state park entrance pass at the time of adoption to families who adopt certain special needs children from the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill requires the division, in consultation with DCF, to identify the types of written documentation sufficient to establish eligibility for the free state park passes and discounted campsite fees and to establish a procedure for obtaining the discounts. Finally, the bill requires the division to continue its partnership with the DCF to promote fostering and adoption of special needs children with events held each year during National Foster Care Month and National Adoption Month.
These provisions were approved by the Governor and take effect on July 1, 2017.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 117-0