Tennessee Senate Bill SB0517

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Engrossed: 3/14/24
• Enrolled: 4/5/24
• Passed: 4/19/24
• Chaptered: 4/29/24

Caption

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

Impact

This legislation aims to address a gap in the management and issuance of disabled parking permits by ensuring that only eligible individuals are able to use these facilities. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the disabled parking system and ensure that spaces are available for individuals who truly need them. By implementing a verification process, it promotes accountability and efficiency within the state's motor vehicle administration.

Summary

Senate Bill 517, known as the "Representative Darren Jernigan Act," is designed to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly in relation to motor vehicles. The bill mandates that beginning January 1, 2025, the department responsible for issuing disabled parking placards must verify annually that the owner of each placard is still alive. This verification process is to include consultation with death records maintained by the department of health. If a placard owner is found to be deceased, the department must promptly invalidate the placard.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 517 appears to be supportive, particularly amongst legislators who emphasize the importance of ensuring that disabled parking privileges are granted solely to those who are eligible. By preventing misuse of disabled parking spaces, the bill is viewed favorably as a means to uphold accessibility and civic responsibility. There may be minimal opposition; however, the overall consensus seems to favor the validation of an important public service.

Contention

One notable point of contention could arise around the implementation and administration of the verification process, particularly concerning privacy issues related to accessing death records. Stakeholders could raise concerns about the potential burden this may place on the department charged with enforcement and whether the annual checks could result in unintended consequences for families dealing with loss. The need for clarity in how the department will handle data privacy and the logistics of invalidating placards could fuel further discussion among lawmakers and the public.