SB 1034 (Vehicles: Special License Plates)

SB 1034 by Senator McNerney has been introduced this session, and the author is requesting support. Please see the following information regarding the measure.

BILL OVERVIEW:

SB 1034 expands California’s definition of ‘disabled veteran’ to include more medical conditions that qualify veterans for special license plates and parking placards. The bill recognizes conditions such as severe arthritis, neurological disorders, vision impairments, heart disease, and lung disease. Notably, it allows 100% permanently disabled veterans to obtain special license plates based on general disability standards, even if their mobility limitations are not service-connected, potentially benefiting thousands of veterans whose disabilities developed after military service.

WHAT THIS BILL CHANGES:

As currently written, SB 1034:

• Vehicle Code Section 295 — Expands the definition of ‘disabled veteran’ to include veterans unable to walk 200 feet without rest, those with severe arthritis or neurological conditions, specified vision impairments, cardiac conditions, and pulmonary diseases.
• Vehicle Code Section 295 — Creates a new qualification pathway allowing 100% permanently disabled veterans to obtain disabled veteran license plates if they qualify for a disability parking placard under general disability standards, regardless of whether the disability is service-connected.
• Vehicle Code disabled veteran plate provisions — Broadens eligibility criteria to recognize age-related and non-service-connected disabilities that substantially limit veteran mobility and functioning.

FACT SHEET:

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This bill may be amended as it moves through the legislative process. Positions may need to be revisited if substantive amendments are adopted.

OFFICIAL BILL TEXT:

POSITION REQUEST:

We recommend a Support position for this measure.

Seth Reeb
Reeb Government Relations, LLC