Online application process for handicapped parking permits passes

The state Department of Motor Vehicles will create an online system for handicapped parking permit applications under a bill passed Feb. 16.

Current law requires handicapped parking permit applicants to collect a form from their county office or the state Department of Motor Vehicles to be completed by a physician for verification purposes and then processed by the department.

LB163, introduced by Valentine Sen. Deb Fischer, directs the department to establish by Jan. 1, 2013, an electronic system for processing applications for handicapped or disabled parking permits. Renewals for handicapped parking permits may be made within 180 days of their expiration, instead of the previous 30-day limit.

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

Finally, the bill calls for an additional medical certification if a permit holder requests more than two replacement tags in a six-year period.

LB163 was approved 49-0, along with its accompanying appropriation bill of $38,000.