HB470 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ken Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Motor vehicles, handicapped parking, sign designated special access parking place not required to specify fine, Sec.32-6-233.1 am'd.

Summary

HB470 would remove the requirement that the fine amount for illegally parking in a disability parking space be displayed on the sign itself.

What This Bill Does

It keeps the existing penalties for violations (minimum fines of $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third or subsequent offenses) and adds a 40-hour minimum community service requirement for second or later offenses. It allows enforcement on private property and outlines how fines are distributed between local governments, the state, and programs run by the Department of Mental Health and the Administrative Office of Courts. It also states that signs may display the fine amount, but it would no longer be required to do so.

Who It Affects

• Drivers who illegally park in disability parking spaces will face minimum fines and potential community service for repeat offenses.
• Law enforcement agencies (local and state) responsible for enforcing the law and handling collections, including enforcement on private property.
• Municipalities, counties, and the state treasury that receive portions of the collected fines to fund enforcement, courts, and disability-related programs.
• The Department of Mental Health and the Administrative Office of Courts, which receive funds to support disability services and related programs.

Key Provisions

• The sign designating a disability parking space is no longer required to display the amount of the fine for a violation (display is optional).
• Minimum fines remain: $50 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $500 for the third or any subsequent offense.
• Second or subsequent offenses carry a minimum of 40 hours of community service, either for a disability-related nonprofit or to raise awareness of disability needs.
• Authorized officers may enforce violations on private property.
• If a local officer issues the violation, 50% of collected fines go to the local general fund; the remainder goes to the State Treasury and is split 50/50 between the Administrative Office of Courts and the Department of Mental Health for the specified programs.
• If a state officer issues the violation, 50% of collected fines go to the issuing agency, with 25% to the Administrative Office of Courts and 25% to the Department of Mental Health for the specified programs.
• Funds deposited for these purposes are appropriated by the Legislature and do not revert to the General Fund at year end.
• Effective date: the act becomes law 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