STATE PARK DAY PASSES FOR VETERANS

HB 161 provides New Mexico resident veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces, reserves, or public health service (with minimum service requirements) with free state park access. It grants one annual day-use pass for unlimited entry into state parks and recreation areas, plus one annual camping pass for unlimited use of state park camping facilities. The law, now signed into effect, requires veterans to provide proof of service to the state parks division but does not mandate disability verification. This policy directly benefits eligible veterans by removing entry and camping fees at New Mexico's state parks.