Authorizes the free use of campsites to any person who is semi-ambulatory

BILL NUMBER:S2537

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to the free use of campsites

Purpose

To provide free access to state parks for semi-ambulatory members of our state.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends Section 1119 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation law to provide free access to state parks and recreation areas to semi-ambulatory persons.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

Existing law

Article 13 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation law allows the blind, non-ambulatory, amputees and certain veterans of the wars of the United States free access to state parks.

Justification

Current law allows any person who is blind, non-ambulatory, or an amputee, or is a certain type of veteran, free access to our state's public parks. Until 2010, those who were semi-ambulatory also enjoyed free access to our state parks. That year the category was eliminated, requiring those who walk with a cane, crutches, walker, or other mobility aid to pay entry fees. Individuals receiving federal Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income or Railroad Disability were also removed from the exemption. The 2010 changes were prompted by an internal review of the Access Pass system, which was conducted in response to several reports of Access Pass abuse. At particular issue were abuses by those in the latter category of persons receiving federal disability assistance and were receiving the benefit of the Access Pass, yet were able to golf for free.

There were no stories, however, of Access Pass abuses by semi ambulatory individuals. Rather, these are legitimately handicapped people that are attempting to enjoy the benefits of our parks. These residents should receive the free access benefit as other similarly situated persons, and that was once afforded to them.

In 2010 the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation also argued for the elimination of the two categories because these categories were not contained in the statute. Despite this, Access Passes are currently distributed, although deservedly, to categories of individuals who are not included in the current law. Eliminating Access Pass abuses is necessary. However, removing semi-ambulatory individuals from the Access Pass program has prevented many deserving individuals from accessing our park system. Free admission to our state parks must be restored to our semi-ambulatory residents.

Legislative history

2012: S.6790 Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation 2013-2014: S.2112 Referred to cultural affairs, tourism, parks and recreation / A.2381 Referred to tourism, parks, arts, and sports development

Fiscal implications

Fiscal impacts of this legislation would be minimal. The access pass system was changed in 2010 to eliminate two categories of eligibility from the access pass program: semi-ambulatory individuals and individuals receiving social security disability, social security insurance, or a railroad retirement board disability. The move was prompted by abuses by those receiving federal retirement benefits. Restoring the semi-ambulatory category would keep with the purpose of the program and allow the deserving disabled access to state parks.

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.