2018 -- H 7839

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LC004799

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Price, Giarrusso, Roberts, Craven, and Filippi

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2018

     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) Is displaying a motor vehicle disability placard issued by the state under § 31-28-7.

     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 -- PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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     This act would exempt disabled persons, who are displaying a motor vehicle disability

placard, from fees charged by park and recreation facilities and operated by the state.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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