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HB 7056

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 9 co-sponsors

Expands parking and admission fee exemptions at Rhode Island state parks and golf facilities to include Medicaid-determined disabilities, in addition to existing programs.

04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7056

Summary of HB 7056 (2026) – Rhode Island

Title

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

Primary purpose

To expand the exemption from state recreational facility fees (specifically parking and related admission fees) to include additional categories of individuals with disabilities. The bill adds Medicaid eligibility-determined disabilities as an eligible basis for fee exemption.

Key provisions

  • Section 32-1-17 (General Laws) is amended to create a broader fee-exemption for individuals with disabilities at state-owned and state-operated recreational facilities.
  • Exemption categories:
    • A person with a disability, regardless of age, and automobiles transporting a non-driver with a disability, who present proper identification as prescribed by the Department of Environmental Management.
    • The disability determination can come from:
    • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Veterans benefits and a determination by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of 100% disability through a service-connected disability
    • A determination by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) or its designee that the individual is disabled for Medicaid eligibility purposes
  • Fees covered by this exemption:
    • The exemption applies to parking fees, admission fees, or other user fees for playing golf at state recreational facilities.
  • Fees not included in the exemption:
    • Licensing fees
    • Camping fees
    • Picnic table fees
    • Specialized facility-use fees (e.g., fees for equestrian areas, performing arts centers, game fields, mule shed)
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage (immediate upon enactment).

Who is affected

  • Individuals who are legally classified as disabled under the listed programs (SSDI, SSI, VA 100% service-connected disability, or Medicaid-determined disability) will be eligible for parking and general admission fee exemptions at state-owned/operated recreational facilities.
  • Caregivers or non-drivers accompanying a person with a qualifying disability in an automotive transport context may also benefit, as the exemption extends to automobiles transporting a non-driver with a disability.
  • Certain facility-use fees (e.g., for specialized facilities) remain excluded from the exemption.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: January 9, 2026
  • Referred to: House Finance
  • Committee action: As of April 14, 2026, the committee recommended the measure be held for further study (i.e., not yet advanced to a floor vote in that session).

Practical impact

  • The bill broadens accessibility to state recreational facilities by removing parking and general admission fees for a wider set of disabled individuals, leveraging existing disability determinations from federal or state programs.
  • This could reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible families and individuals visiting state parks, golf facilities, and similar venues.
  • Administrative implementation will require verification of disability status through the specified government programs and adherence to Department of Environmental Management identification requirements.

Summary verdict

HB 7056 aims to enhance access to Rhode Island’s state parks and recreational facilities for people with disabilities by expanding the fee-exemption criteria to include those with Medicaid-determined disabilities, aligning with other federal and state disability determinations. The measure, currently held for further study in committee, would take effect immediately upon passage if enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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