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SD 355

An Act relative to handicap parking access for individuals with autism

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Expands handicap parking eligibility to autism; guardians may use the placard only while transporting the autistic individual, easing access for families during appointments.

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Bill Summary · SD 355

Summary: Senate Bill 355 — An Act relative to handicap parking access for individuals with autism

Purpose and intent

Senate Bill 355 proposes to expand access to handicap parking by adding autism to the list of qualifying conditions for which a parking placard may be issued. The core goal is to reduce barriers for individuals with autism and their families when parking in public spaces.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 2 (the ninth paragraph): The bill would insert language enabling issuance of a placard for an individual diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders.
  • Significantly, it also permits the parent or guardian of a person with autism to be issued a placard, with a crucial condition: the parent or guardian may use the placard only when transporting the individual diagnosed with autism.
  • The text specifies that the placard would be issued under the existing framework for disability parking, extending eligibility to autism as a qualifying condition.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder would become eligible to receive a handicap parking placard.
  • Parents or guardians of autistic individuals would be eligible to hold and use the placard, but only during transportation of the autistic individual.
  • Public agencies responsible for disability parking administration (e.g., state motor vehicle department) would implement and enforce the new eligibility criteria.

Practical impact

  • Potentially easier access to reserved parking for families and caregivers of autistic individuals during medical appointments, school-related activities, and other outings.
  • Clarification on when a placard can be used by a guardian may help prevent misuse while ensuring meaningful assistance for transport.
  • The bill does not specify funding or administrative procedures beyond the statutory amendment, so implementation details (application processes, eligibility verification, and enforcement mechanisms) would likely follow existing disability placard frameworks.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill is listed as Senate Docket No. 355 and was filed in January 2025. The user notes a different introduced date (November 29, 2025), but the provided text shows a filing date of January 12, 2025.
  • As with most legislation, passage would require approval by both Senate and House of Representatives and enactment by the Governor. The summary notes that a similar measure previously circulated in a prior session (Senate 2282, 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in this issue.
  • No specific fiscal impact, effective date, or sunset provisions are provided in the current text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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