Texas House Bill HB3064

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/2/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Voted on by House: 5/15/11
• Refer: 3/18/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11
• Engrossed: 5/15/11
• Refer: 5/16/11

Caption

Relating to preventing the fraudulent issuance and use of disabled parking placards; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

This bill introduces civil penalties for individuals who misuse disabled parking spaces or improperly obtain placards, with fines up to $750 for violations. The impact of HB3064 extends to the general public, particularly individuals requiring these placards for accessibility, as it seeks to enforce a more stringent eligibility check and discourage fraudulent claims that can obstruct rightful access to parking spaces designated for the disabled. Furthermore, the bill mandates that licensed health care providers receive additional training on the issuance of disabled parking placards, potentially increasing the standard of care regarding eligibility assessments.

Summary

House Bill 3064 aims to address the fraudulent issuance and use of disabled parking placards in Texas. The legislation stipulates that health care providers who knowingly present false or misleading statements regarding a person's eligibility for a disabled parking placard will be committing unprofessional conduct. The bill strengthens the legal framework surrounding disabled parking placards by specifically targeting fraudulent practices and increasing accountability among medical professionals involved in the certification process.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention regarding the enforcement and implications of the civil penalties imposed on potential violators. Critics may argue that the increased penalties could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who rely on these spaces but may not be well-informed about the nuances of the laws regulating them. Additionally, ensuring compliance among health care providers and establishing effective monitoring mechanisms to prevent fraudulent certifications will be vital for the bill's success. Opponents may also voice concerns regarding potential overreach in the regulation of health care providers and suggest that the focus should remain on patient care rather than punitive measures.