2023 -- H 6127
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LC001686
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS -- TOWN FORESTS, PARKS, AND
RECREATION SYSTEMS
Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Sanchez, Cruz, Potter, and Speakman
Date Introduced: March 03, 2023
Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 32-3 of the General Laws entitled "Town Forests, Parks, and 1
Recreation Systems" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 2
32-3-13. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -- Park restrooms. 3
(a) Any public park the size of one acre or more shall be required to have an Americans 4
with Disabilities Act (ADA) public restroom for the public to use during park hours. If there is a 5
lack of sewage lines and the development of a standard ADA public restroom is not feasible, the 6
park will be required to offer at least two (2) port-a-potties or another restroom alternative. If a 7
port-a-potty is deployed, regular maintenance and sanitization shall be required. 8
(b) All public parks will be required to comply by July 1, 2025; however, extensions may 9
be requested from the department of environmental management. 10
(c) The department shall be charged with overseeing the compliance of all public parks 11
with subsection (a) of this section and may promulgate rules and regulations it deems necessary to 12
implement the provisions of this section. 13
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 14
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LC001686
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LC001686 - Page 2 of 2
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS -- TOWN FORESTS, PARKS, AND
RECREATION SYSTEMS
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This act would require any public park the size of one acre or more to provide American 1
with Disabilities Act (ADA) public restrooms, if feasible, with enforcement and compliance 2
delegated to the department of environmental management (DEM), or alternatively two (2) port-a-3
potties by July 1, 2025. 4
This act would take effect upon passage. 5
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LC001686
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