This bill amends existing laws regarding parking privileges for individuals with disabilities, specifically expanding eligibility to include veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating 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 that individuals must be unable to walk 200 feet without resting. 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 and mandates the Department of Licensing to maintain accurate records by matching parking permits with death records. It also requires the department to report on the number of veterans applying for these privileges by specific deadlines. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, with certain 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