2017 -- H 6205

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LC002674

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

     Introduced By: Representatives Price, Chippendale, Nardolillo, Roberts, and Filippi

     Date Introduced: May 10, 2017

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 32-1-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 32-1 entitled "General

Provisions" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     32-1-17. Persons with disabilities.

     No fee shall be charged any person with a disability regardless of age, or to automobiles

transporting a non-driver with a disability, at any recreational facility owned and operated by the

state; provided, however, proper identification is presented as prescribed by the department of

environmental management. For the purpose of this section "person with a disability" shall mean

an individual who has a physical or mental impairment and is receiving:

     (a) Social security disability benefits (SSDI);

     (b) Supplemental security income benefits (SSI); or

     (c) Veterans benefits and who shall be determined under applicable federal law by the

federal department of veterans' affairs to be one hundred percent (100%) disabled through a

service-connected disability. ; or

     (d) Any person sixty-five (65) years of age or older who otherwise suffers from a

disability as defined by the director of the department of environmental management.

     For purpose of this section, "fees" shall include all fees for parking, admittance, or other

user fees for playing golf. The term "fees" shall not include licensing fees, camping fees, picnic

table fees, or specialized facility use fees, including, but not limited to, fees for the use of

equestrian areas, performing arts centers, game fields, and mule shed.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

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     This act would add to the list of persons with disabilities for whom fees are waived for

entrance to state parks any person sixty-five (65) years of age or older who suffer from a

disability as defined by the director of the department of environmental management.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002674

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