Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel OKs bill to let state parks buy adaptive equipment, expand accessibility pilot
Summary
The committee unanimously advanced House Bill 336 (first substitute) to allow state parks to use grants or other funds to construct trailer facilities or acquire adaptive equipment to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments.
The Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee unanimously recommended House Bill 336 (first substitute), which would amend state code to permit state parks to use grant funds and other monies to construct accessible trailer facilities, improve existing trailer facilities, or acquire equipment for disabled or adaptive users.
Representative Wilton, the bill sponsor, told the committee the change would permit state parks to proceed with a pilot program to increase access for people with mobility impairments. “The code actually doesn't allow them to buy this,” Wilton said, describing an effort to increase access to state parks so people with mobility limitations and their families can experience Utah’s public lands.
Senator Hankins praised the bill and moved that the committee recommend the substitute favorably. With no public testimony and no committee amendments, the motion passed unanimously.
Supporters said the measure is a limited, targeted change to allow purchases necessary to run accessibility pilots and does not require an appropriation within the bill text. The committee placed the substitute on a favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
