104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
SB3016
 
Introduced 1/28/2026, by Sen. Donald P. DeWitte
 
SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
525 ILCS 35/5.5 new
    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.


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A BILL FOR
 
SB3016LRB104 18748 BDA 32191 b

1    AN ACT concerning conservation.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, 
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Open Space Lands Acquisition and 
5Development Act is amended by adding Section 5.5 as follows:
 
6    (525 ILCS 35/5.5 new)
7    Sec. 5.5. Accessibility; universal design elements. The 
8Department shall prioritize projects that incorporate 
9universal design elements. The Department shall adopt rules to 
10establish the priorities and scoring matrix under this Section 
11within its grant application review process under this Act. In 
12this Section, "universal design elements" includes, but is not 
13limited to, the following elements:
14        (1) poured-in-place rubber surfacing or synthetic turf 
15    for enhanced mobility and continuously accessible 
16    surfacing routes;
17        (2) multiple access points and routes suitable for 
18    wheelchairs, including additional ramps for seamless entry 
19    to play equipment;
20        (3) a variety of ground-level and elevated play 
21    components accessible to individuals with diverse physical 
22    abilities;
23        (4) inclusive swings and seating;
 
 
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1        (5) a variety of single and multi-sensory play 
2    elements, such as tactile panels and musical features;
3        (6) shaded areas to accommodate individuals with 
4    sensory sensitivities; and
5        (7) any other construction, material, design, product, 
6    or technology as set out in administrative rule.
 
7    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon 
8becoming law.