SB 121

Existing law provides that a disability access license plate may only be issued for a vehicle owned by a person with a disability or an organization that transports a person with a disability

This bill would specify that a parent or guardian of a disabled person may apply for and receive a disability access license plate

Relating to distinctive license plates; to amend Section 40-12-300, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide that a person may apply for a special access or disability access distinctive license plate if that person is the parent or legal guardian of a person with a qualifying disability.

Section 1

Section 40-12-300, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:

§40-12-300.

(a)(1) The distinctive license plates provided for herein shall be prepared by the Commissioner of Revenue and shall be issued through the county license issuing officials of the state in the same manner as are other motor vehicle license plates. An applicant for such a distinctive plate shall present to the issuing official documentation that he or she is an either of the following:

a. A parent, stepparent, or legal guardian of a minor who is an individual with a disability as defined in Section 32-6-230.

b. An individual with a disability as defined in Section 32-6-230.

(2) Upon presentation of the required documentation, the individual with a disability applicant shall be issued the requested number of special access or disability access distinctive license plates upon the payment of the regular license fee, as provided by law.

(b) Any private agency, nursing home, church, or charitable institution that submits to the licensing authority proof satisfactory to the commissioner that it operates a motor vehicle for the primary purpose of transporting one or more individuals with disabilities may apply for the distinctive plates. Applicants shall pay the regular fees for license plates, as provided by law.

(c) Any government agency that applies for a license plate for a vehicle which it owns for the primary purpose of transporting individuals with disabilities shall be issued the requested number of license plates according to Section 40-12-250, with the plate displaying the International Symbol of Access embossed on the plate.

(d) The distinctive license plates shall be used only upon and for personally-owned, private, or government owned and operated passenger vehicles, including, but not limited to, vans, station wagons, buses, motorcycles, and pickup trucks, registered in the name of the person, or public or private agency, nursing home, church, or charitable institution making application therefor, and when issued to the applicant shall be used upon the vehicle for which issued in lieu of the standard license plates normally issued for the vehicle. This division shall not be construed to require an individual with a disability to display a distinctive special access or disability access license plate. It is hereby specifically provided that this division shall be construed in pari materia with Section 32-6-231. The commissioner may make any rules or regulations necessary to carry out this division.

(e) The commissioner may require all persons with long-term disabilities to be recertified by a licensed physician before special access parking or disability access parking license plates may be reissued."

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.