Generally revise accessibility laws related to trails/roads
Summary
SB 533 would create the “Nonambulatory Recreation Access Act” to expand access to certain state recreational trails and roads for people who are nonambulatory and use motorized wheelchairs or similar mobility devices. The bill establishes a new nonambulatory motorized recreation pass, sets the fee at $5, makes the pass valid indefinitely and nontransferable, and requires applicants to provide identifying information, proof of vehicle registration, and a physician’s certification of nonambulatory status. It also creates misdemeanor penalties for failing to display the pass, making false statements to obtain it, or using motorized equipment on covered trails or roads without the pass.
Impact
The bill would amend how the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks manages recreational trails and roads on state land by requiring the department to facilitate access for pass holders, post restrictions at trailheads and online, and classify all public trails as Class I, II, or III based on accessibility for motorized wheelchairs. It creates a dedicated nonambulatory motorized recreation account in state special revenue to receive pass fees and a portion of fines, and it authorizes rulemaking to implement the program. The measure would affect state land users, trail managers, and nonambulatory individuals seeking motorized access to public recreation areas.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had some support but also meaningful resistance. In the Senate Fish and Game committee, a motion to table the bill passed 9-2, indicating a majority favored setting it aside rather than advancing it. No committee transcript is available, but the final status of “Died in Process” shows the bill did not move forward despite being framed as an accessibility measure.
Contention
The main points of contention appear to be the balance between accessibility and land-management or environmental concerns. The bill expressly allows the department to restrict or prohibit motorized equipment for human, ecological, or environmental health and safety reasons, which suggests debate over where and when access should be allowed. Another likely issue is the requirement that the department reopen or open trails to motorized equipment for pass holders, which could raise concerns among trail managers, conservation interests, and other recreation users about trail impacts, enforcement, and user conflicts. Supporters would likely emphasize disability access and equal recreation opportunity, while opponents likely focused on administrative burden, resource impacts, and land-use restrictions.
A bill for an act relating to hunting seasons during which a nonambulatory hunter may use certain firearms with a specifically issued deer hunting license.(See HF 646.)
A bill for an act relating to hunting seasons during which a nonambulatory hunter may use certain firearms with a specifically issued deer hunting license.(Formerly HF 205.)