Tennessee House Bill HB1990

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Chaptered: 3/19/24
• Passed: 3/19/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 21, Part 1, relative to the Disabled Drivers Law of 1975.

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 1990 are intended to have a significant impact on state laws by modernizing how disability is defined and communicated in legislation. By using language that emphasizes capability rather than limitation, the bill supports an inclusive understanding of disabilities. This shift has potential ramifications for the interpretation of various statutes that depend on the definitions used in the Disabled Drivers Law, ensuring they remain relevant and supportive of affected individuals and their rights. Overall, the amendments promote accessibility and encourage a societal move towards understanding and accommodating individuals with mobility impairments.

Summary

House Bill 1990 aims to amend certain provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the Disabled Drivers Law of 1975. The core changes involve the language used to describe individuals who use wheelchairs due to permanent incapacity. Specifically, the bill replaces references to 'confine the person to a wheelchair' with 'require the use of a wheelchair,' thereby shifting the emphasis to functionality rather than confinement. Other amendments also align with this new phrasing to ensure clarity and respect for individuals' conditions. The bill reflects a broader movement towards inclusive language in legal texts which is crucial for recognizing the dignity of persons with disabilities.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1990 appears to be positive, with strong bipartisan support noted in voting records and discussions. Lawmakers recognize the importance of updating language to reflect contemporary standards of inclusivity and respect. Aligning state law terminology with modern views on disability is widely seen as a necessary step towards better representation and support for those with disabilities. Participants in discussions around the bill expressed approval of the intent and direction of these changes.

Contention

Despite the overall positive sentiment, some points of contention could arise regarding the implementation of these changes and potential challenges in consistency across other related laws. While no significant opposition has been recorded, as the bill received a unanimous vote of 94-0, future interpretations of the new language could create debates around specific cases. For instance, questions may be raised about how these amendments interact with different existing statutes and their enforcement. These discussions will be crucial as the law goes into effect and as the state navigates its role in supporting persons with disabilities.