82R607 SLB-F
By: Lucio III H.B. No. 283
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the wheelchair accessibility of new or renovated park
playgrounds to children with disabilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Title 3, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by
adding Chapter 27 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 27. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PARKS IN THIS STATE
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 27.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "political
subdivision" means a county, municipality, special district, river
authority, or other governmental entity created under the authority
of the state or a county or municipality.
Sec. 27.002. APPLICABILITY. Except as otherwise provided
by this chapter, this chapter applies to a land or water park that
is owned, operated, or maintained by this state or a political
subdivision of this state.
[Sections 27.003-27.020 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B. PLAY AREAS IN PARKS
Sec. 27.021. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter
applies only to a park in which after December 31, 2011:
(1) a playground is newly constructed; or
(2) at least 50 percent of a playground's equipment or
facilities are renovated.
Sec. 27.022. ACCESSIBILITY OF PLAYGROUNDS. (a) A park
subject to this subchapter must have a wheelchair-accessible
surface wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass that connects the
parking area to each playground in the park.
(b) At least one element of the available play equipment in
a playground subject to this subchapter must be wheelchair
accessible.
Sec. 27.023. GUIDELINES TO ASSIST IN PARK DEVELOPMENT AND
MAINTENANCE. (a) The commission by rule may adopt guidelines
designed to assist an entity that develops or maintains a park in
the purchase, design, construction, or installation of
wheelchair-accessible surfaces and equipment.
(b) Before adopting guidelines under this section, the
commission must consult with the Department of Aging and Disability
Services or another qualified person for advice on surface
materials and the design, construction, and installation of
pathways and equipment that are appropriate for providing
wheelchair accessibility.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.