HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5957

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires that, upon renewal of any special parking privileges for persons with disabilities, the applicant provide a signature from a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant certifying that the applicant meets the criteria to receive such privileges.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 31 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Farrell, Vice Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Moscoso, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Fitzgibbon, Freeman, Habib, Hawkins, Hayes, Johnson, Klippert, Kochmar, Moeller, Morris, Muri, Ortiz-Self, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Ryu, Sells, Shea, Takko, Tarleton, Walkinshaw, Young and Zeiger.

Background:

Washington provides certain special parking privileges for persons with disabilities, including parking without charge and beyond posted time limits. To qualify for these special parking privileges, a person must apply to the Department of Licensing (DOL), and a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must sign a declaration under the penalty of perjury, determining that the applicant has a disability that meets the statutory criteria.

If the applicant is expected to improve within six months, the DOL may issue a temporary parking placard. If the holder has not recovered at the end of the temporary period, the DOL will issue an additional temporary placard upon receipt of a new application and certification from the person's physician. Alternatively, the DOL may issue a permanent placard or special license plate to an applicant. Any permanent placard or plate must be renewed at least every five years; however, the DOL does not require that a renewal include a declaration made under the penalty of perjury regarding the holder's disability.

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Summary of Bill:

When renewing permanent parking privileges, a holder must provide a signature from a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant certifying that the applicant meets the criteria to receive such privileges.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill started from a constituent who had a family member abusing the system. It is important to verify that holders of special parking privileges are still qualified for such parking privileges.

(Opposed) None.