The Illinois Senate has approved legislation that would reduce the frequency with which individuals with permanent disabilities must provide medical documentation to obtain disability license plates or parking placards.

Under current law, disabled individuals—or their parents or guardians—must annually submit a letter from a physician verifying the disability in order to qualify for accessible parking. Senate Bill 1256, sponsored by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), would extend the certification period from one year to five years for those with permanent disabilities.

The proposed legislation also expands the list of professionals authorized to certify these applications to include licensed physical therapists, potentially offering greater convenience and reducing healthcare costs for applicants.

The bill passed the Senate on April 9 and is now under consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives.