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Committee adds autism and neurodivergence to handicap-plate eligibility, approves liability protection and reports bill favorably
Summary
The Education and Public Works Committee adopted two amendments to a motor-vehicles bill to allow people with autism or neurodivergence to apply for a handicap license plate and to add liability protections for officials relying on medical information; the committee then reported the bill favorably.
The Education and Public Works full committee adopted two amendments to a motor-vehicles bill on a unanimous recorded vote and reported the measure favorably.
Representative Hartnett explained Amendment 2 would "add autism and neurodivergence to the bill," allowing a person with those conditions to apply for a handicap license plate with the DMV; Hartnett said the DMV "can easily implement this change and it is not opposed to this bill." Committee staff said the change is administrative and that sponsor Representative Landing has pursued the measure in prior sessions.
Representative Mitchell asked how many people might apply, noting many people are diagnosed with autism and expressing concern about possible impacts for people who rely on handicap parking for mobility; staff said the number of applicants is "not sure" and could not give a quantitative estimate.
Representative Hartnett then introduced Amendment 3, describing language that prevents a cause of action or liability "arising from any actions taken by any person in reliance upon information" provided on DMV forms under the bill. Hartnett said the liability language was adapted from broader DMV cleanup legislation and was intended to protect law enforcement and government actors from unintended consequences.
The committee approved Amendment 2 by roll call and later approved Amendment 3; the clerk announced Amendment 2 passed by a recorded vote of 13 Aye, 0 Nay, and 5 absent, and Amendment 3 passed by a recorded vote of 15 Aye, 0 Nay, and 3 absent. After the amendments were adopted, the committee voted to report the underlying motor-vehicles bill favorably as amended; the clerk recorded that vote as 17 Aye, 0 Nay, and 1 absent.
The meeting record does not include an estimate of how many people would apply for the new plate designation; staff said a fiscal or application-count estimate was not available during the meeting. The committee did not receive public comment on this item during the recorded segments. The bill as amended will move forward in the legislative process for additional consideration.
