HB451 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Motor vehicles, handicapped parking placards and parking space signs, local authorities authorized to authorize disabled persons to issue tickets, sign designating handicapped parking space not required to include amount of fine, Sec.32-6-233.1 am'd

Summary

HB451 would let local authorities authorize disabled individuals to issue parking violation citations for disability spaces and change how fines are displayed and distributed.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows municipalities and counties to authorize disabled individuals to issue citations for violations of handicap parking laws. It establishes minimum fines: $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $500 for the third or subsequent offenses, and it requires 40 hours of community service for the second offense. It states that parking signs are not required to display the fine amount, though the first-offense amount may be shown on the sign. It creates specific funding rules for how fines are distributed between local funds, the state, the Administrative Office of Courts, and the Department of Mental Health, and it allows enforcement on private property by authorized officers; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Disabled individuals and violators of disability parking laws (they may be cited by disabled individuals authorized to issue tickets; fines and community service apply to violators).
• Local and state government entities and programs (municipalities, counties, law enforcement agencies, Administrative Office of Courts, Department of Mental Health) that handle enforcement, revenue distribution from fines, and program funding.

Key Provisions

• Local authorities may authorize disabled individuals to issue citations for violations of disability parking spaces.
• Offense fines: $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third or subsequent offenses; a second offense requires 40 hours of community service.
• Signage may display the first-offense fine amount, but it is not required to do so.
• Enforcement on private property is permitted by local law enforcement officers under this section.
• Revenue from fines is split differently based on whether the issuing officer is local or state: local officers allocate 50% to the local fund with the remainder to the State Treasury (distributed 50% to the Administrative Office of Courts and 50% to the Department of Mental Health); state officers allocate 50% to the agency, 25% to the AOC, and 25% to the Department of Mental Health.
• All funds in the separate State Treasury fund are appropriated by the Legislature and do not revert to the State General Fund; DMH approval is required before releasing funds to the Individual and Family Support Program.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles