AUGUSTA — State Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, is hoping to pass a bill that would allow spouses and children of active-duty military personnel free access to Maine’s state parks.

Brakey’s bill would expand a program that allows active-duty military members free access to the parks but doesn’t allow family members to have access without the service member present.

Brakey’s bill could go before state lawmakers in January, when they reconvene for the second half of the 127th Maine Legislative Session

The bill would allow “Maine residents who are the spouse and children of military members free access to state parks while their loved one is away on active duty. Currently, families have free access only while accompanied by their military member,” according to a release issued Monday.

“Our military families sacrifice so much for all of us, and any small gesture we can make to ease their burden is worthwhile,” Brakey said in a prepared statement. “Maine’s natural resources can provide adventure, relaxation and simply a getaway close to home that can be a comfort to families with a member away on active duty.”

Brakey said the idea came from a constituent and that while he wishes he could take credit, it was not his.

As with all other bills being submitted for the 2016 legislative session, the bill must first be approved to move forward by the Legislative Council before it can be referred to committee.

The council will meet at the end of October to vote on which bills will be considered by lawmakers in 2016.

“Our military families sacrifice so much for all of us, and any small gesture we can make to ease their burden is worthwhile. Maine’s natural resources can provide adventure, relaxation and simply a getaway close to home that can be a comfort to families with a member away on active duty,”  – Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn.