[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The RI State House. RIDOH warns COVID-19 masks are a must as spread is likely outside the home. Gov. Raimondo also announced RI will be expanding COVID-19 Tests.

[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The RI State House. A new bill would allow people to report illegal parking using an app.

STATE HOUSE — Rep. Evan P. Shanley has introduced legislation that would allow people to use an app to report illegal parking in accessible spaces, as well as update new signage for those spaces.

The bill (2026-H 7050) would enable municipalities to participate in the Parking Mobility app program where individuals may submit photos on the app of vehicles that are parked in spaces designated for individuals with disabilities, and the violator may be cited and fined at the discretion of local law enforcement, according to the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau.

“Accessible parking is a basic necessity for the safety and dignity of thousands of Rhode Islanders who are living with a disability,” said Representative Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick, East Greenwich). “When these spaces are unavailable because they’ve been taken by someone who does not have a placard, it’s not just an inconvenience, it means a person with a disability has been cut off from wherever it is they may be trying to go. The lack of enforcement of these violations becomes incredibly frustrating for those who utilize those spaces legally.”

The bill would also require new or replacement signage to include the language “Accessible Parking” in place of “Handicapped Parking,” “Disability Parking,” or “Disabled Parking.”

“The new signage will be consistent with efforts over the past several years to update language to change the public perception of people with disabilities,” said Representative Shanley. “It’s imperative that we change our environment to be more accommodating, and language is an important part of that effort. The focus of the signage should be on what the space is there for, as opposed to the identity or limitations of those who need those spaces.”

The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on State Government and Elections.ly

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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