Transportation is a critically important issue to all persons with disabilities in Virginia. The need for critical infrastructure to enable people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of society is great. While there are no major proposals under consideration that would tackle that enormous problem, there are several smaller budget amendments under consideration, as well as some bills, that establish some transportation related rights.
Some transportation issues are addressed through the state budget, with money amounts, with language amendments, or both. For example, several budget amendment requests require DMAS to review non-emergency medical transportation services to identify barriers to access. Delegate Hayes (313-#37h), Senator Barker (313-#21s), and Senator McClellan (313#34s) have all submitted language amendments to item 313 of the proposed budget for this.
Senator Deeds is requesting additional funding for “alternative transportation providers,” to reduce the use of law enforcement when transporting people for mental health treatment. (item 321-#3s) and is requesting funding to provide transportation for individuals at the conclusion of their hospitalization (item 321- #1s).
Delegate Rob Bell’s HB 1960 deals with people with special communication needs, such as autism or hearing impairment. Currently, it may be indicated on a vehicle registration whether the owner has a communication challenge. The bill allows it is be noted on registration, also, if the usual driver who is not necessarily the owner has a communication challenge. The bill notes that the individual has to consent to the disclosure unless the individual is under guardianship. The bill was approved by the House and now goes to the Senate Committee on Transportation.
Likewise, Delegate Bell is offering HB 1961, in which a guardian or a parent of someone under the age of 18 can request an ID card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Current law limits it to someone under age 15. The bill was approved by the House and is on its way to the Senate for consideration.
As previously reported, in HB 1841 from Delegate Keam, a House subcommittee endorsed a study by the Department of transportation to consider requirements for striping new crosswalks, in order to make them more visible to users and drivers.
Please continue to check back here for updates as the session proceeds, and let us know of any legislative proposals or budget issues that you think we should be following. Contact us at info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or 804-225-2042.