Creating Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act

SB 754, the "Outdoor West Virginians with Disabilities Act," requires West Virginia state land managers to update travel plans and ensure public lands meet accessibility standards. It defines "disability-accessible land" as areas with at least 2.5 miles of accessible roads per square mile for motorized vehicles or off-road vehicles. The bill mandates that road closures cannot reduce accessibility below this standard unless for safety emergencies, and requires agencies to prioritize accessible routes for recreation like hiking, fishing, and camping. This directly affects the Division of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, and people with disabilities seeking accessible outdoor recreation on state-managed forests and natural areas.