Indiana economic development corporation.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Commons and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 1269 establishes a program to create ADA-compliant trails in Arkansas state parks, ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal access to outdoor recreation.

Coauthored by Representatives Greene, Shonkwiler, Haggard

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1269 aims to enhance accessibility to wilderness and state parks trails in Arkansas. The bill seeks to establish an Accessible Wilderness and State Parks Trails Program, ensuring that trails are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This initiative is intended to promote inclusivity and provide equal access to natural recreational areas for individuals with disabilities.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

Establishment of the Accessible Wilderness and State Parks Trails Program:

This program will focus on creating and maintaining accessible trails in state parks and wilderness areas.

Creation of the Accessible Wilderness and State Parks Trails Program Special Fund:

A dedicated fund will be established to support the development and maintenance of accessible trails.

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act:

All trails developed under this program must meet ADA standards to ensure they are usable by individuals with various disabilities.

Reporting Requirements:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be required to submit regular reports on the progress and status of the trail accessibility initiatives.

Appropriations:

The bill outlines the need for appropriations to fund the program and its associated activities, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current version.

Affected Parties

Individuals with Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be individuals with disabilities who seek access to outdoor recreational activities.

State Parks and Wilderness Areas: The bill will impact the management and operational practices of state parks and wilderness areas, requiring them to adapt to new accessibility standards.

DLNR: The Department of Land and Natural Resources will play a crucial role in implementing and overseeing the program.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 27, 2025

Current Status: The bill has been referred to the House Committees on Water, Agriculture, and Land (WAL) and Finance (FIN) for further consideration.

Legislative Timeline: The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to committees. Further actions will be required for it to progress toward becoming law.

Conclusion

House Bill 1269 represents a significant step toward improving accessibility in Arkansas's natural recreational areas. By establishing a dedicated program and fund, the bill aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities can enjoy the state's wilderness and parks, promoting inclusivity and equal access to outdoor activities.

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