BILL ANALYSIS AB 1944 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 12, 2010 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair AB 1944 (Fletcher) - As Amended: May 3, 2010 Policy Committee: Veterans AffairsVote: 9-0 Transportation 14-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill establishes new procedures for the issuance of special license plates to disabled veterans that rely on the certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for proof of the applicant's service-connected disability. FISCAL EFFECT Minor and absorbable costs to the DMV. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . The bill is intended to provide a more streamlined verification process for disabled veterans seeking a special license plate. The author asserts that the bill will ensure "that veterans have access to disabled veterans' license plates and the privileges that go with them." 2)Background . A disabled person or disabled veteran displaying a special license plate or a placard is permitted to park in specified restricted zones and parking spaces, or in metered parking spaces without being required to pay the fees. Current law requires DVM to issue a special license plate to a disabled person pursuant to regulations adopted by the department. Existing procedures adopted by DMV to verify disabilities require an applicant whose disability is not readily observable to submit certification to DMV from a medical professional that substantiates the disability. This step is AB 1944 Page 2 redundant in the case of disabled veterans, who have already received certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs of a service-connected disability. Analysis Prepared by : Brad Williams / APPR. / (916) 319-2081