This bill aims to expand the authority of certain medical professionals to certify individuals with disabilities for eligibility for special license plates, certificates, or parking decals. Specifically, it allows licensed physical therapists, in addition to advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants, to certify to the Office of Motor Vehicle that a patient qualifies as a person with a disability under the Access to Parking for Persons with Disabilities Act. The bill also modifies the definition of "person with a disability" to include certifications from these additional medical professionals, thereby broadening the scope of who can provide such certifications.

Key amendments include the removal of the requirement for a licensed physician to be the sole certifying authority, replacing it with the term "certifying authority" that encompasses physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists. Additionally, the bill stipulates that recertification of a person's disability status will be required every four years by a certifying authority, unless the disability is deemed permanent. This legislative change is designed to streamline the certification process and make it more accessible for individuals with disabilities seeking necessary parking accommodations.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1138 Original - 1-15-2025 01:01 PM: 17-80-120(a), 27-15-302(4), 27-15-302, 27-15-304(a), 27-15-307(8), 27-15-308(a)
Old version HB1138 V2 - 1-30-2025 10:01 AM: 17-80-120(a), 27-15-302(4), 27-15-302, 27-15-304(a), 27-15-307(8), 27-15-308(a)
HB 1138: 17-80-120(a), 27-15-302(4), 27-15-302, 27-15-304(a), 27-15-307(8), 27-15-308(a)
Act 98: 17-80-120(a), 27-15-302(4), 27-15-302, 27-15-304(a), 27-15-307(8), 27-15-308(a)