AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- GENERAL PROVISIONS -- PREFERENCE FOR RESIDENTS (Provides Rhode Island residents over nonresidents with priority when making reservations to secure a campsite and other recreational facilities.)

H7099

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:
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SECTION 1. Sections 32-1-16 and 32-1-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 32-1 entitled
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"General Provisions" are hereby amended to read as follows:
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32-1-16.
Preference for residents with disabilities.
Preference for residents, including
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those with disabilities.
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Residents of Rhode Island
including, but not limited to, those
who have a disability shall
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be given preference in the use of campsites and other recreational facilities over nonresidents who
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apply for permission to use those facilities.
This preference shall be accomplished by providing
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Rhode Island residents with a two (2) hour window on the online registration system to secure a
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reservation before any nonresidents are authorized or permitted to make reservations.
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32-1-17. Persons with disabilities.
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(a)
No fee shall be charged any person with a disability regardless of age, or to automobiles
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transporting a non-driver with a disability, at any recreational facility owned and operated by the
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state; provided, however, proper identification is presented as prescribed by the department of
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environmental management. For the purpose of this section “person with a disability” shall mean
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an individual who has a physical or mental impairment and is receiving:
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(a)
(1)
Social security disability benefits (SSDI);
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(b)
(2)
Supplemental security income benefits (SSI); or
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(c)
(3)
Veterans benefits and who shall be determined under applicable federal law by the

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federal department of veterans’ affairs to be one hundred percent (100%) disabled through a
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service-connected disability.
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(b)
For purpose of this section, “fees” shall include all fees for parking, admittance, or other
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user fees for playing golf. The term “fees” shall not include licensing fees, camping fees, picnic
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table fees, or specialized facility use fees, including, but not limited to, fees for the use of equestrian
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areas, performing arts centers, game fields, and mule shed
; provided however, that one hundred
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percent (100%) disabled veterans shall be entitled to a fifty percent (50%) reduction for licensing
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fees, camping fees, picnic table fees, or specialized facility use fees
.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC003379
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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
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This act would provide Rhode Island residents with priority when making reservations to
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secure a campsite and other recreational facilities over nonresidents who apply for permission to
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use those facilities. The act would also provide that veterans with a one hundred percent (100%)
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disability rating shall receive a fifty percent (50%) reduction in fees for the use of certain state
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recreational facilities, including licensing fees, camping fees, picnic table fees, or specialized
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facility use fees.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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