SENATE 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.

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) must grant special parking privileges to a person with a disability who meets at least one condition of a specified list of criteria, as determined by a licensed physician, advanced nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If a person is granted a special parking privilege, DOL must provide the person with either special license plates or parking placards containing the international symbol of access, and an identification card. However, a person with a disability that is expected to improve within six months may be issued a temporary placard for a period not to exceed six months, and is not eligible for the special license plate. Temporary placards may not be renewed.

Permanent parking privileges for persons with disabilities must be renewed at least every five years. At renewal a person must provide satisfactory proof that the person meets the criteria for continued use of the parking privileges. Satisfactory proof is not defined in statue. By rule DOL requires that upon expiration of the permanent special parking privilege a person may renew by filling out a form if it is within 30 days of the expiration date. If the permanent special parking privilege has been expired for more than 30 days, then a new application must be submitted.

Summary of Bill: For purposes of renewing a permanent special parking privilege, satisfactory proof that a person meets the criteria for continued use of the parking privilege must include a signature from a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant certifying that the applicant has a disability that meets the criteria in statute.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The origin of this bill stems from a constituent letter expressing concern that no signature from a doctor was required when someone renews a permanent disabled parking privilege. Without more oversight this practice can lead to fraud. This bill provides a simple fix and should not be too burdensome to persons.