Bill > S2457

Introduced Session

This bill would appropriate to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) $3 million from the funds provided to the State by the federal government under the "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," Pub. L. 117-2, to be used for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds. "Completely inclusive playground" means a playground designated for public use for children two to five years of age or five to twelve years of age, that meet certain accessibility requirements, including standards detailed in the "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" (42 U.S.C. s.12101 et seq.). No later than six months after the bill is enacted into law, the bill would require the DEP to solicit applications from local government units for the design and construction of completely inclusive playgrounds. The bill directs the DEP to establish, and publish on its website, a grant application process and transparent eligibility and ranking criteria for applications for funding for the design and construction of completely inclusive playgrounds. The bill would require the DEP to provide priority to applications for projects located in counties that do not currently operate and maintain a completely inclusive playground. In addition, the bill would require the DEP, no later than 30 months after the bill is enacted into law, to prepare and submit to the Governor and the Legislature, a report detailing the grants issued pursuant to the bill, including the name of the grant recipient, the amount of the grant, and a description of the completely inclusive playground project funded by the grant.

Committee Categories

Tony Bucco (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 02/05/2024)

Official Document