Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Disability Plates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears testimony on bill to allow multiple disability plates per owner
Summary
A Kansas House committee heard testimony on HB2716, which would allow a person with a permanent disability to receive a special disability license plate for each vehicle they own, register and operate; supporters said it reduces burdens from portable placards while the Department of Revenue has not yet taken a formal position.
Representative Dr. Megan Steele and citizen proponents told the House Committee on Transportation on HB2716 that allowing a disability-design plate on every vehicle owned and operated by a person with a permanent disability would reduce practical burdens created by portable placards.
"This makes a simple but meaningful correction to current law," Representative Megan Steele said, asking the committee to support the bill she brought on behalf of a constituent. She said eligibility and the verification process would not change: a person must submit proof that a disability is permanent and pay applicable fees.
Proponent Kirk Lowell described the statutory limit that currently "no person shall be issued more than 1 special license plate," and argued that plates are less cumbersome than placards that must be moved between vehicles. He noted temporary placards are valid for up to six months and that permanent placards remain an option under current law.
Members pressed for details. Representative Essex asked whether the bill sets a maximum number of plates; committee staff (Chris Sherman) replied the bill contains no numeric cap but requires ownership, registration and operation of the vehicle. Representative Delperdine and others asked whether antique or specialty tags and decal practices are affected; Sherman and witnesses said the bill applies to the disability plates bearing the wheelchair emblem and does not directly change other specialty tag or decal programs.
The committee discussed fraud and penalties. Testimony cited KSA 8-1-130 and related statutes that impose penalties for misuse of disability parking privileges and for falsely representing eligibility; witnesses described overlapping penalty ranges cited in testimony (statutes referenced penalties from $100–$300 and up to $500 depending on the citation). Proponents said existing penalties and local ordinances should limit likely abuse.
Chair noted a minimal fiscal note (about $9,700 from the state general fund for one-time administrative updates). With no additional proponent, opponent, or neutral testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB2716. The committee did not take a final vote during this session.
