Summary as Introduced
Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall prioritize projects that incorporate construction, materials, designs, products, or technologies that increase accessibility and usability beyond the highest standards established under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or federal regulations promulgated under that Act. Requires the Department to adopt rules to establish this priority within its grant application review process under the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Effective immediately.
Staff Analysis
House Amendment 2
House Floor Amendment 2 to HB 1788 makes several targeted changes to the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Act with an emphasis on accessibility and equity in public outdoor spaces.
Key Provisions and Impacts:
1. Prioritization of Universal Design
The amendment requires the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to give priority consideration to grant project applications that include universal design elements. This marks a policy shift toward ensuring that funded projects are more inclusive and accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities.
2. Rulemaking for Grant Priorities
IDNR must adopt rules to formalize how universal design will be factored into the grant application scoring matrix. This creates a transparent, rule-based structure that applicants can follow when designing projects and ensures a consistent method of evaluating accessibility features across applications.
3. Definition of Universal Design Elements
The amendment includes a definition of “universal design elements”—likely referring to design principles that make spaces usable by all people, regardless of age, ability, or status. Examples may include accessible trails, restrooms, signage, and seating.
4. Effective Date
The amendment is effective immediately, meaning that any upcoming OSLAD grant cycles will likely need to incorporate these new priorities without delay.
Potential County Impact:
• Competitive Advantage for Accessible Projects: Counties applying for OSLAD grants may improve their chances of success by incorporating universal design.
• Planning and Design Adjustments: County park and land-use departments may need to revise design plans or consult accessibility experts to align with the new scoring criteria.
• Equity and Inclusion: The policy supports broader goals of equitable access to public lands and recreational opportunities, especially in communities with underserved or aging populations.
In summary, this amendment shifts OSLAD grant program priorities to promote greater accessibility in publicly funded outdoor spaces and requires IDNR to build these standards into its formal grant evaluation process.