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Representative Amato pushes ‘Right to Play’ bill for accessible playground equipment
Summary
Representative Amato told the House his bill would require state and public-school playgrounds to include minimum special-needs equipment, citing a roughly $2,000 swing as an example.
Representative Amato used floor time to press for a bill he described as the “Right to Play,” which would require a baseline level of special-needs playground equipment at state parks, public school playgrounds and other public play spaces.
Why it matters: The bill aims to expand inclusion by ensuring that public playgrounds provide equipment usable by children with disabilities. Representative Amato said the proposal is relatively low-cost and gave a concrete example: a $2,000 swing designed for children who cannot walk.
What Amato said: On the floor, Amato said the bill “costs very little money” and would establish a minimum set of equipment so “disabled keiki” can use state parks and school playgrounds. He linked the proposal to broader concerns about federal policy changes and the need to protect access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Support and next steps: Amato asked colleagues to move the measure forward; the floor exchange recorded support for the concept and requests to enter written comments into the record. The measure was discussed during committee-report consideration and may return to committee for further work.
Ending: Lawmakers on the floor signaled interest in the accessibility proposal and requested follow-up procedural steps; the bill will continue through the committee process for technical and fiscal review.
