In Pennsylvania, thousands of individuals living with disabilities face enormous challenges performing everyday tasks that many able-bodied persons take for granted.  For those affected by disabilities and certain illnesses, important tasks such as applying for a driver’s license or identification card can be arduous, especially during a pandemic when renewing in person could unnecessarily place a vulnerable person at risk of adverse health effects. That is why I am introducing legislation that would allow individuals with certain conditions to request PennDOT to issue a driver’s license or identification card using the most recent color photo and signature of the applicant on file in accordance with federal guidelines. 
  
Renewing driver’s licenses and identification cards with a previous photo and signature was a temporary policy instated to risk exposure during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. My legislation would make that administrative change permeant for individuals living with certain disabilities and chronic conditions including: blindness, limited mobility issues, lung disease, cardiac disease, and a few other conditions.  Individuals eligible for disabled veteran’s plates and placards would also qualify under my legislation. 
 
We have all worked to help Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens navigate the challenges facing them during this public health crisis.  I encourage you to join me in continuing that support well into the future.   

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0382: 75-1510
Printer's No. 0433: 75-1510