Bill > A272

Introduced Session

This bill would require the State, or any board, body, or parking authority to designate a minimum of one percent of the total number of parking spaces, but not less than two parking spaces, as restricted for use only by individuals unable to ambulate without the aid of a wheelchair anytime it creates, repaves, or paints a parking lot with eight or more spaces. These wheelchair-only parking spaces would be limited to wheelchair users from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Outside of these hours, persons with a disability would be permitted to use the parking spaces. The requirement to so designate a minimum of one percent of the total number of parking spaces also would be applicable to parking lots of multiple dwellings where individuals who are unable to ambulate without the aid of a wheelchair reside. These "wheel-chair only" spaces would be in addition to any parking spaces reserved for persons with a disability under existing law. Signs displaying the International Symbol of Access, along with wording clearly identifying the spaces for use only by individuals unable to ambulate without the aid of a wheelchair, would be used to identify the new wheelchair-only spaces. In all other ways, the spaces would be required to meet the same specifications under current law as other spaces reserved for persons with a disability. The bill would also permit municipalities to establish wheel-chair only parking spaces in parking areas within their jurisdiction and in front of residences occupied by persons unable to ambulate without the aid of a wheelchair. Finally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation to provide an educational awareness campaign informing the public of their rights and responsibilities under this bill.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Serena DiMaso (R)*,  Sean Kean (R)*, 

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading (on 02/01/2018)