Wisconsin Senate Bill SB53

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Report Pass: 10/10/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Disabled parking privileges on University of Wisconsin System campuses. (FE)

Impact

This legislation will modify existing state laws that govern parking privileges for disabled individuals. Under current law, parking exemptions are limited, but SB53 intends to broaden these exemptions specifically on university grounds. In practice, this means that vehicles with the specified disabled registration plates or identification are granted rights to park without worrying about time restrictions, which could significantly aid in improving accessibility for those who may require more time during their visits to the university.

Summary

Senate Bill 53 aims to enhance disabled parking privileges specifically across University of Wisconsin System campuses. This bill amends statutes to ensure that vehicles displaying special registration plates for disabled individuals, particularly those belonging to veterans, do not face time limitations on parking within university spaces. The intent is to provide greater accessibility to disabled individuals, allowing them to park without the constraints typically imposed by municipal regulations.

Contention

While the bill's proponents argue that it is a progressive step to support disabled individuals, particularly veterans, there is potential for discussion around the allocation of parking resources and its implications for general university parking policies. Concerns may arise regarding whether this approach could reduce available parking for other students and staff or lead to misuse of privileges granted under these new exemptions. Further debates may stem from how these regulations will be enforced and monitored on university campuses.