Bill > HB1138

This bill expands the types of medical professionals who can certify a person's disability status for obtaining special parking permits or license plates in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill adds physical therapists to the list of "certifying authorities" alongside licensed physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants. The legislation modifies the definition of a "person with a disability" to include those who have difficulty walking, require assistive devices, have specific respiratory or cardiac conditions, or use portable oxygen. The bill allows these newly authorized medical professionals to certify a patient's disability for the purposes of the Access to Parking for Persons with Disabilities Act. Importantly, the bill requires recertification of a disability status every four years, unless the disability is considered permanent, and clarifies that adding physical therapists to the list of certifying authorities does not expand their professional scope of practice. This change aims to provide more flexibility and accessibility for individuals seeking disability parking accommodations by allowing a broader range of medical professionals to validate a person's disability status.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1138&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R