AUSTIN, TX – Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-Fort Worth) today filed SB 777, legislation that would allow active duty military, honorably-discharged veterans, and Gold Star families to access Texas State Parks at no cost.

“As Texans, we have both the responsibility to preserve these beautiful state lands and the blessing of enjoying them,” said Hancock, who serves as Chairman of the Texas Senate Veteran Affairs Committee. “When our nation’s true heroes need a respite and a place to spend some time in nature, well, we can help with that. They’ve paid their dues in countless ways, and this is just one small thing Texas can do to say thanks.”

If passed by the full House and Senate and signed into law by the Governor, SB 777 would provide a new application process for honorably-discharged veterans and Gold Star families to receive a lifetime park pass from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Active duty personnel in good standing would be eligible to apply for an annual pass each year until qualifying for the lifetime veteran pass.

For more information on this bill or to follow its progress during the 140-day legislative session, please visit “Texas Legislature Online” at https://capitol.texas.gov/.

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