No. 40445 (New Rule): Rule R651-612. Veterans with Disabilities Honor Pass

(New Rule)

DAR File No.: 40445
Filed: 05/24/2016 03:09:32 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

This rule is created as required by Section 79-4-304 as amended by H.B. 135 that was passed during the 2016 General Session of the Utah Legislature. The rule governs the issuance of the Veterans with Disabilities Honor Pass to a qualified veteran. It is an annual pass and will allow a qualified veteran day-use entrance into the state parks free of charge, with the exception of This Is The Place State Park.

Summary of the rule or change:

The rule governs the issuance of the Veterans with Disabilities Honor Pass to a qualified veteran. A qualified veteran means an honorably discharged veteran who is a resident of the State of Utah and has at least a 50% service related disability as evidenced by documentation from the United State Department of Veterans Affairs, an active component of the United States armed forces, or a reserve component of the United States armed forces. It is an annual pass and will allow a qualified veteran day-use entrance into the state parks free of charge, with the exception of This Is The Place State Park. The Honor Pass is valid only when in the possession of the qualified veteran to whom it was issued. It is non-transferable. It allows for up to seven guests traveling in the same private vehicle access with the veteran.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 79-4-304

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Division of Parks and Recreation will realize some loss of revenue. It will be approximately $100,000 initially. There will also be the cost or printing the passes. This will be absorbed into the existing budget. The amount of $100,000 is based upon the percentage of qualified persons that are now purchasing annual passes.

local governments:

Local government is not affected because they will not be required to issue or honor the pass.

small businesses:

Small business is not affected because they will not be required to issue or honor the pass.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

The pass will be free to qualified veterans, so there is no cost to persons other than small businesses. The savings to those qualified persons will be $75 annually.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There are no compliance costs for affected persons. Those affected will realize a savings annually of $75.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

There should be no impact on private business.

Michael Styler, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Natural Resources
Parks and RecreationRoom 116
1594 W NORTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116-3154

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Tammy Wright at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7359, by FAX at 801-538-7378, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/15/2016

This rule may become effective on:

07/22/2016

Authorized by:

Fred Hayes, Director

RULE TEXT

R651. Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation.

R651-612. Veteran's with Disabilities Honor Pass.

R651-612-1. Authority and Effective Date.

(1) These rules are established as required by 79-4-304 as amended by HB135S01 as passed during the 2016 General Session of the Utah Legislature.

(2) This rule governs the issuance of the 'Veteran's with Disabilities Honor Pass', hereafter referred to as 'Honor Pass' and is effective July 1, 2016.

 

R651-612-2. Definitions.

(1) 'Qualified Veteran' means an honorably discharged veteran who is:

(a) A resident of the State of Utah; and

(b) Has at least a 50% service related disability as evidenced by documentation from:

(i) The United States Department of Veterans Affairs;

(ii) An active component of the United States armed forces; or

(iii) A reserve component of the United States armed forces.

(2) 'Veterans with Disabilities Honor Pass' or 'Honor Pass' means an annual pass issued in accordance with this rule.

 

R651-612-3. Honor Pass Application Process.

(1) A qualified veteran meeting the criteria established in R651-612-2 shall be issued an Honor Pass.

(2) The Honor Pass shall be provided free of charge to a qualified veteran.

(3) The Honor Pass is valid only when in the possession of the qualified veteran to whom it was issued, and is nontransferable.

(4) The Honor Pass shall be valid for the entire calendar year for which it was issued.

 

R651-612-4. Honor Pass Limitations.

(1) Except as specified below, the Honor Pass shall be valid for day use admittance to all state parks for the qualified veteran and up to 7 guests traveling in the same private vehicle.

(2) The Honor Pass is not valid at This Is The Place Heritage Park; and does not cover fees charged by Davis County for travel on the Antelope Island Causeway. The Honor Pass is not valid for special charges or fees within the park (i.e., golf green fees, special program participation fees, camping, etc.).

 

R651-612-5. Honor Pass Distribution.

(1) Locations of Honor Pass distribution sites will be posted on the Division's website. Electronic application and mail in application options will be pursued.

(2) The Division shall work with veteran service organizations to make passes available at other convenient locations.

 

KEY: park pass, veterans

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: 2016

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 79-4-304

 

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