Tennessee Senate Bill SB1678

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Chaptered: 3/19/24
• Passed: 3/19/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 21 and Title 55, Chapter 4, relative to decals issued to drivers who have disabilities.

Impact

This amendment modifies Section 55-21-103 of the Tennessee Code Annotated, thus aligning the regulations regarding disability access for motorcycle operators with those applicable to other vehicles. By including motorcycles in the category of vehicles eligible for disability decals, SB1678 acknowledges the unique needs of motorcyclists within the disability community, facilitating greater compliance with disability regulations and enhancing overall access rights under state law.

Summary

Senate Bill 1678 aims to amend specific provisions in the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly concerning the issuance of decals and license plates for drivers with disabilities. The main focus of this bill is to expand the eligibility for decals to include owners or lessees of motorcycles, in addition to traditional vehicle owners. This change is intended to enhance accessibility and ensure that individuals who own motorcycles and have disabilities can also receive the same benefits in terms of parking and visibility that are available to operators of standard vehicles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1678 was generally positive, with support coming from various advocacy groups focused on disability rights. The bill is viewed as a progressive step towards inclusivity, reflecting a growing recognition of the needs of disabled motorcyclists. However, there were minor concerns regarding the appropriateness of extending disability benefits to motorcycle operators, with some questioning whether the standard provisions applied effectively to this group.

Contention

While SB1678 passed without opposition, notable points of contention primarily revolved around the potential administration of the new provisions. Questions were raised about how the enforcement of eligibility for disability decals among motorcycle riders would be managed and whether this could lead to complications in compliance. Moreover, discussions emphasized the need for clear guidelines to ensure that these new regulations serve their intended purpose without ambiguity.