The proposed bill aims to establish the "Outdoor West Virginians With Disabilities Act" by adding a new article to the Code of West Virginia. This legislation includes definitions related to disability-accessible land, off-road vehicles, and the relevant state public lands. It mandates the prioritization of updates to travel management and motor vehicle use plans by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Division of Forestry. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for designating public land as open, limited, or closed to off-road vehicles, ensuring that the accessibility of these lands for individuals with disabilities is maintained.

Furthermore, the bill sets forth specific guidelines for road closures and the management of public land. It stipulates that roads on disability-accessible land cannot be closed if it would result in a net decrease of accessible roads unless certain conditions are met. The legislation also requires public notice and hearings for proposed road closures, and it establishes a rebuttable presumption that roads should remain open unless compelling evidence suggests otherwise. The bill clarifies that it does not prohibit the development of new roads or trails for motorized vehicles on public land, nor does it establish new roads in designated protected areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-20-1, 20-20-2, 20-20-3, 20-20-4, 20-20-5