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SB 777

Creating Outdoor West Virginians with Disabilities Act

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Maynard

West Virginia bill establishes access program enabling people with disabilities to participate in outdoor recreation through improved facilities and legal protections.

To Natural Resources
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Bill Summary · SB 777

Legislative bill overview

SB 777 proposes creating the "Outdoor West Virginians with Disabilities Act," legislation designed to improve outdoor recreation access for people with disabilities in West Virginia. The bill has been introduced in the state Senate and referred to the Natural Resources committee for initial consideration. Specific provisions have not yet been detailed in publicly available summaries at this early stage of the legislative process.

Why is this important

Outdoor recreation access is a significant equity issue, as people with disabilities often face physical, legal, or infrastructural barriers to participating in hiking, fishing, hunting, and other activities. Improved access can enhance quality of life, public health outcomes, and economic participation in outdoor industries. West Virginia's natural resources and outdoor heritage make this particularly relevant to the state's identity and economy.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding mechanisms — Creating accessible trails, facilities, and programs requires capital investment; lawmakers may debate whether to fund this through general appropriations, user fees, or public-private partnerships
  • Scope of accessibility requirements — Disagreement may arise over which outdoor areas must comply with accessibility standards and how extensive modifications must be (parking, pathways, facilities, equipment)
  • Balancing conservation with development — Environmental advocates may raise concerns about infrastructure expansion in natural areas, while disability rights advocates push for substantive access improvements

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

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