First Responder with Disability License Plate
If passed, this legislation will amend the Colorado Revised Statutes to establish new provisions regarding the issuance of special license plates. The Department of Revenue will be responsible for implementing these changes, including designing and issuing the plates. Importantly, the bill sets a clear definition of qualifying disabilities and stipulates that the new plates will also grant the holders access to reserved parking spaces, aligning with similar provisions for other special license plates for disabled individuals.
House Bill 1112 proposes the creation of a special license plate specifically for first responders who have a permanent occupational disability. This license plate aims to honor these individuals and is exempt from taxes or fees for the initial issuance. The bill outlines that qualified applicants include retired members of the fire and police pension association, or individuals who have served as peace officers or firefighters, provided their disabilities resulted from injuries sustained during official duties.
Key points of contention surrounding HB 1112 may arise from the implications of state resources for administering these licenses and how they are perceived in comparison to other disabled vehicle registrants. While supporters argue that this bill is a fitting recognition of the sacrifices made by first responders, critics may debate the potential prioritization of resources and whether the measure creates a distinction among disability types that could be viewed as controversial.