2026 -- H 7099

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LC003379

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS --

PREFERENCE FOR RESIDENTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Azzinaro, Shallcross Smith, Corvese, McNamara,
Fellela, Solomon, and Kennedy

     Date Introduced: January 14, 2026

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 32-1-16 and 32-1-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 32-1 entitled

"General Provisions" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     32-1-16. Preference for residents with disabilities. Preference for residents, including

those with disabilities.

     Residents of Rhode Island including, but not limited to, those who have a disability shall

be given preference in the use of campsites and other recreational facilities over nonresidents who

apply for permission to use those facilities. This preference shall be accomplished by providing

Rhode Island residents with a two (2) hour window on the online registration system to secure a

reservation before any nonresidents are authorized or permitted to make reservations.

     32-1-17. Persons with disabilities.

     (a) 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)(1) Social security disability benefits (SSDI);

     (b)(2) Supplemental security income benefits (SSI); or

     (c)(3) 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.

     (b) 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; provided however, that one hundred

percent (100%) disabled veterans shall be entitled to a fifty percent (50%) reduction for licensing

fees, camping fees, picnic table fees, or specialized facility use fees.

     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 --

PREFERENCE FOR RESIDENTS

***

     This act would provide Rhode Island residents with priority when making reservations to

secure a campsite and other recreational facilities over nonresidents who apply for permission to

use those facilities. The act would also provide that veterans with a one hundred percent (100%)

disability rating shall receive a fifty percent (50%) reduction in fees for the use of certain state

recreational facilities, including licensing fees, camping fees, picnic table fees, or specialized

facility use fees.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003379

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