Adds to those persons exempt from payment of parking fees at any recreational facility owned and operated by the state those individuals determined by the executive office of HHS, or its designee, to be disabled for purposes of Medicaid eligibility.

## Summary of the Bill

This bill would allow certain Rhode Island residents with disabilities to park for free at state-owned recreational facilities, such as state parks and beaches. Specifically, it would extend this benefit to people who have been determined to be disabled through the Medicaid eligibility process by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) or an agency acting on its behalf.

Rhode Island law already exempts certain groups of people from paying parking fees at state recreational facilities. This bill would expand that list by adding individuals whose disability status has been officially recognized as part of their qualification for Medicaid benefits. This means that people who meet the state's definition of disability for Medicaid purposes would no longer have to pay to park when visiting state parks, beaches, or other state-operated recreational areas.

The bill primarily affects Rhode Islanders who are on Medicaid due to a disability. It could make it easier and more affordable for these individuals to access outdoor recreation and public spaces. The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Finance Committee for further review.