The bill amends Section 32-1-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 32-1, titled "General Provisions," to expand the definition of "person with a disability" who is exempt from fees at state-owned and operated recreational facilities. The amendment includes a new category of individuals who are determined to be disabled for Medicaid eligibility purposes by the executive office of health and human services or its designee. This is in addition to the existing categories of individuals who receive social security disability benefits (SSDI), supplemental security income benefits (SSI), or veterans benefits and are determined to be 100% disabled through a service-connected disability.

The bill specifies that "fees" refer to charges for parking, admittance, or other user fees for activities such as playing golf, but do not include licensing fees, camping fees, picnic table fees, or fees for the use of specialized facilities like equestrian areas, performing arts centers, game fields, and mule sheds. The act is set to take effect upon passage, thereby immediately allowing persons with disabilities, as newly defined, to benefit from fee exemptions at state recreational facilities.

Statutes affected:
8030: 32-1-17