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Committee considers SB 12 to let VA‑rated veterans use VA disability determination for parking placards
Summary
Sen. David Waters and veterans groups told the Senate Transportation Committee that SB 12 would allow veterans who already hold a disabled veteran license plate under RSA 261:86 to receive a vehicle parking placard based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability determination, removing the need for a second medical exam.
Sen. David Waters (D‑District 4) introduced Senate Bill 12 to the Senate Transportation Committee, saying the bill would let veterans who already hold the veteran disability plate under RSA 261:86 use the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability determination to obtain a parking placard without a second physical exam.
"Individuals who receive a special number plate for certain veterans under RSA 261:86 ... shall be eligible also for the walking disability placard ... to their evaluation by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs without the need for additional proof," Sen. Waters said during the hearing.
Melinda Sims of United Spinal Association and Leo Paquin, chair of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, both testified in support. Sims said VA disability determinations involve “extensive testing and certification” and should be accepted by the state for placard eligibility. Paquin characterized the bill as “common sense” that reduces redundancy for veterans.
Jennifer O’Leary, interim registration administrator at the Division of Motor Vehicles, told the committee she had no objection and noted that disabled veteran plates and placards are currently issued based on VA percentage ratings and that disabled‑veteran privileges are not normally subject to renewal.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about how the VA documentation is presented and whether veterans can use a placard in another person’s vehicle; witnesses confirmed veterans typically receive one plate and one placard, and the placard is intended for use when the veteran is transported in a different vehicle.
No formal action or vote occurred during the public hearing. The bill’s proponents said SB 12 would reduce paperwork and medical appointments for veterans who already have an official VA disability rating.
The committee closed the hearing after the witnesses finished their testimony.
