House Republican Press Release

June 26, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Mike Alberts: New Law Helps Persons with Disabilities

Governor Rell Signs Legislation Increasing Fines for Illegally Parking in Handicapped Spaces

Persons with disabilities will be able to find a handicapped parking spot more quickly, under legislation that Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed into law in a public ceremony with State Rep. Mike Alberts, R-Woodstock, one of the bill’s sponsors, in attendance.

Rep. Alberts said, “This law makes clear that parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities only. These spaces are designated for people with demonstrated disabilities. Other motorists should respect these needs and these parking spaces.”

“The new law increases the fine for taking parking spaces that are set aside for people with special needs; and it shows the governor and the legislature is serious about protecting the rights of people with disabilities,” Rep. Alberts added.

This new law increases the fine for misuse of parking spaces designated for people with a handicap. Currently, violations are infractions with a fine of not less than $85. The new law increases the fine to $150 for a first violation and $250 for a subsequent violation.

The violations of the handicapped parking law subject to the bill's higher fines include:

1. parking in a space designated for a handicapped person,

2. unauthorized display of a special license plate or placard issued to a disabled person,

3. failure to return a plate or placard when required to do so by the motor vehicle commissioner, and

4. failure to provide the designated spaces for handicapped persons the law requires.

The state remit the fines to the municipalities in which the violations occur. Amounts received for parking related violations, including those related to the special parking places designated for use by those with disabilities, go back to the towns.

The signing of House Bill 6370 took place June 26 at the governor’s office in Hartford.

Rep. Alberts serves the 50^th Assembly District of Brooklyn, Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret and Woodstock in the state House of Representatives.