Tennessee House Bill HB0465

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/27/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/12/24
• Chaptered: 4/29/24
• Passed: 4/29/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, relative to motor vehicles.

Impact

The implementation of HB 0465 is expected to have a significant impact on the management of disabled parking privileges within the state. By instituting a system for verifying the status of placard holders, the legislation aims to prevent fraud and misuse of disabled parking spaces. This revision to the law reflects a proactive approach to ensure that parking accommodations are available to those who genuinely need them, ultimately supporting individuals with disabilities in accessing necessary facilities.

Summary

House Bill 0465, known as the 'Representative Darren Jernigan Act,' aims to enhance the regulation of disabled parking placards in Tennessee. The primary objective of the bill is to ensure that disabled parking placards are only held by individuals who are living. To achieve this, the bill mandates annual verification of placard holders' status through consultation with death records maintained by the department of health, starting January 1, 2025. If a placard holder is found to be deceased, the department is required to promptly invalidate the placard.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0465 appears largely positive, particularly among advocates for disability rights and accessibility. Proponents highlight the importance of ensuring that resources, such as disabled parking, are effectively allocated to living individuals who require them. However, the measure may raise concerns among some individuals about privacy implications related to the scrutiny of death records and what that means for the confidentiality of those who hold or apply for disabled parking privileges.

Contention

While there seems to be general support for the bill's intentions, notable points of contention may arise regarding the execution of the verification process and its potential administrative burden on the department responsible for enforcement. Questions may be raised about the accuracy and accessibility of the death records utilized, as well as how the invalidation of placards will be communicated to families and affected individuals. These factors could lead to discussions around balancing the necessity of regulatory measures with the respect for privacy and dignity of individuals with disabilities.