This bill aims to enhance the verification and fraud prevention measures for walking disability placards. Key provisions include the requirement for placards to display the holder's driver's license or non-driver identification card number and a photograph, ensuring that the placard is used only by the eligible individual. Additionally, the bill establishes a new penalty for disabled drivers who park in restricted spaces without displaying their placard, increasing the minimum fine from $250 to $500, and sets a fine of $100 for failing to properly display the placard. The bill also allows for free parking in designated spaces for vehicles carrying individuals with walking disabilities, provided that the eligible person is being transported in the vehicle.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to increase fines for various parking violations related to walking disability spaces, with the fines being payable to the local municipality. The Department of Safety estimates a one-time cost of approximately $31,000 for replacing existing placards to comply with the new requirements, along with potential ongoing costs for system upgrades to accommodate the new placard design. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to generate an indeterminable increase in fine revenue, estimated to be less than $10,000 annually.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:69, 265:69-a, 265:74, 261:88