Streamlined process for handicapped parking permits considered

Individuals applying for handicapped parking permits could take advantage of a new online system that would be created by a bill heard by the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee Jan. 24.

LB163, introduced by Valentine Sen. Deb Fischer, would require the state Department of Motor Vehicles to establish by Jan. 1, 2013, an electronic system for processing applications for handicapped or disabled parking permits.

DMV director Beverly Neth testified in support of the bill, saying it would be the first major change to the issuance of handicapped parking permits since they were authorized in 1977. She said the electronic system would offer cost savings and efficiencies that cannot be realized under the existing system.

Currently, applicants must collect a form from their county office or the department that is completed by their physician for verification purposes and then processed by the department, she said. The electronic system would reduce the number of trips taken by applicants to complete an application and time spent on data entry, she said.

“It’s pretty complicated, frankly, right now,” Neth said.

The bill also would extend the renewal period for permanent handicapped parking permits from three years to six years and change a provision of law that prohibits a person from holding more than one permit tag to allow up to two tags.

Neth said the six-year standard would be consistent with the recertification period for handicapped license plates. With regard to the one permit restriction, she said the most common reason for a person to request an additional tag is for travel.

“Two tags would allow the permit holder to leave one tag in the vehicle parked at an airport and have another with them for use while on vacation,” Neth said.

Finally, the bill would trigger another medical certification if a permit holder requests more than two replacement tags in a six-year period.

Ed Schafer of Omaha testified in a neutral capacity. He said an online application process could present problems for patient privacy if the system were hacked. He also advocated for lifetime permits for those with permanent disabilities.

The committee voted 8-0 to advance the bill to general file.