Process Streamlined For Disabled Vets To Renew Handicap Parking Placard

Jim Anderson -- Illinois Radio Network

There’s one less hoop that disabled veterans will have to jump through to get a handicap parking placard renewed.

Under a new Illinois law, if they’re deemed permanently disabled, they won’t have to submit a letter from their doctor every year confirming that their disability still exists when their handicap plates or placards are up for renewal or recertification.

State Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) sponsored the measure, which was popular in Springfield, passing the Senate 53-0 and the House 115-0, before being signed into law by the governor at the VFW hall in Villa Park.

“Hopefully this makes lives a little bit easier for our wounded warriors, for our heroes, and makes their lives better, and can reduce one less step in the daily trials that they have to have,”Cullerton said.

The bill was sponsored in the House by State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora).

The law takes effect next year.