SB 223: Require ODNR discount program for veterans, service members - Ohio

As Passed by the House → As Enrolled · 4 edits · Jun 8, 2026

MODERATE

This bill amends Ohio Revised Code section 1546.04 to require the Division of Parks and Watercraft to establish two specific discount programs: one for Golden Buckeye cardholders and a new 25% discount for veterans and service members. The bill also clarifies the definitions of 'veteran' and 'service member' by referencing existing state law and lists specific forms of valid military identification.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of the existing discount program by adding a mandatory 25% discount specifically for veterans and service members, while retaining the existing discount for Golden Buckeye cardholders.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a mandatory 25% discount program for veterans and service members for all park services and rentals, excluding merchandise.

DEFINITION

Defined 'veteran' and 'service member' to match the meanings in section 5903.01 of the Revised Code.

REQUIREMENT

Listed six specific types of valid documentation for veterans, including Ohio veterans ID cards, US Department of Defense cards, and veteran health identification cards.

Replaced the original bill text with the enrolled version, which includes the full statutory language and signatures required for the bill to become law.

As Passed by the Senate → As Passed by the House · 4 edits · May 20, 2026

MODERATE

The House version adds a specific 25% discount for veterans and service members to state park services and rentals, whereas the Senate version only established a general discount program for Golden Buckeye cardholders. The House version also reorganizes the list of rulemaking topics and adds new requirements for vessel navigation and safety inspections.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to explicitly include veterans and service members as a distinct eligible group for discounts, separate from Golden Buckeye cardholders.

ELIGIBILITY

Introduced a mandatory 25% discount for veterans and service members presenting valid documentation, while maintaining the existing discount for Golden Buckeye cardholders.

DEFINITION

Defined 'veteran' and 'service member' using state law and listed specific acceptable forms of identification, such as the Ohio veterans ID card and military passes.

REQUIREMENT

Added new rulemaking authority for the Division of Parks and Watercraft regarding vessel navigation rules and vessel safety inspection checkpoints.

Reordered and expanded the list of topics the Division must regulate, moving the veteran discount provision to a new subsection and adding details about fees for boating classes and law enforcement services.

As Introduced → As Passed by the Senate · 5 edits · Oct 22, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add a specific 25% discount for veterans and service members on park services and rentals, while explicitly excluding discounts on merchandise. It also clarified the definition of 'veteran' and 'service member' to align with state law and expanded the Chief's authority to adopt rules regarding vessel navigation and safety inspections.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include specific navigation and vessel safety rules, and the eligibility criteria for the veteran discount were made more explicit.

ELIGIBILITY

Added a mandatory 25% discount for veterans and service members presenting valid documentation, separate from the existing discount for Golden Buckeye cardholders.

DEFINITION

Defined 'veteran' and 'service member' to match the definitions in section 5903.01 of the Revised Code.

REQUIREMENT

Added new rules governing vessel navigation, including consistency with federal Inland Navigational Rules, and vessel safety inspection checkpoints.

Authorized fees for boating skill development classes, special event law enforcement services, and vessel inspections.

Explicitly prohibited charging fees for vehicle parking or admission to state parks.

Require ODNR discount program for veterans, service members

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