This bill amends existing laws regarding parking privileges for individuals with disabilities, specifically expanding eligibility to include veterans with a disability rating of 70% or higher from the United States armed forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs who use a service animal. The bill modifies RCW 46.19.010 to add this new category of eligibility, while also updating the criteria for existing disabilities, such as specifying distances and medical conditions. Additionally, it introduces a new section that outlines the application process for special parking privileges, including the requirement for a signed statement from a healthcare provider and the issuance of identification cards and parking placards free of charge.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that parking privileges for qualifying veterans will be valid for a five-year period without the need for renewal during a specified timeframe, and it mandates the Department of Motor Vehicles to maintain accurate records by matching parking permits with death records. The bill also includes provisions for reporting the number of veterans who qualify for these privileges and sets an expiration date for certain sections of the act. The effective date for the new provisions is set for October 1, 2025, with some sections expiring on October 1, 2035.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.19.010, 46.19.040, 41.04.007
Substitute Bill: 46.19.010, 46.19.040, 41.04.007
Bill as Passed Legislature: 46.19.010, 46.19.040, 41.04.007
Session Law: 46.19.010, 46.19.040, 41.04.007