HOUSE BILL 260

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Joshua N. Hernandez and Stefani Lord and Randal S. Crowder and Rachel A. Black and Eliseo Lee Alcon

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO STATE PARKS; PROVIDING FREE STATE PARK PASSES TO VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF GOLD STAR FAMILIES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new Section 16-2-7.2 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "16-2-7.2. [NEW MATERIAL] FREE STATE PARK PASSES TO VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF GOLD STAR FAMILIES.--

          A. The state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department shall provide one day-use pass for unlimited entry into state parks or recreation areas operated by the division to veterans and members of gold star families residing in the state and other occupants of their noncommercial vehicle.

          B. As used in this section:

                (1) "child" includes a biological, adopted or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward or a child of a person standing in loco parentis;

                (2) "member of gold star families" means a surviving parent, spouse, child or sibling of a service member killed in an armed conflict with an enemy of the United States;

                (3) "parent" includes a biological, adoptive or foster parent, a stepparent or an individual who stands in loco parentis to a child;

                (4) "sibling" includes a stepsibling and a half-sibling; and

                (5) "veteran" means a New Mexico resident who:

                     (a) was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned in the: 1) armed forces of the United States and was accepted for and assigned to active duty in the armed forces of the United States; 2) army reserve, navy reserve, marine corps reserve, air force reserve, coast guard reserve, army national guard or air national guard and was accepted for and assigned to duty for a minimum of six continuous years; or 3) United States public health service commissioned corps or the national oceanic and atmospheric administration commissioned officer corps and served in the capacity of a commissioned officer while on active duty in defense of the United States; and

                     (b) was not separated from such service under circumstances amounting to dishonorable discharge."

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