WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 3842

Medical authorization of handicap placards

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Micah Caskey and 7 co-sponsors

South Carolina bill lets physical therapists certify handicap placards, stating temporary or permanent status, easing access for patients and requiring DMV acceptance.

Act No. 141
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3842

Summary — H 3842: Medical authorization of handicap placards

Status: Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs (introduced Jan–Mar 2025; passed House and sent to Senate)
Introduced: Jan 30, 2025 (multiple filings/versions)
Primary change: adds Section 40‑45‑285 to the South Carolina Code of Laws (Title 40, Chapter 45, Article 1)

Purpose / intent

The bill expands the class of health professionals who may certify an applicant as “handicapped” for purposes of obtaining a disabled (handicapped) parking placard. The intent is to broaden access to qualifying medical attestations by authorizing physical therapists to complete the certification and to state whether the impairment is temporary or permanent.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 40‑45‑285 to the S.C. Code: “A physical therapist may certify that an individual is handicapped and declare that the handicap is temporary (or permanent) for purposes of the individual's application for a handicapped placard.”
  • Effective date: upon approval by the Governor.
  • No changes in the bill text to application form language, fee structure, or other administrative procedures; it solely authorizes physical therapists as certifying providers.

Who is affected

  • Applicants for disabled parking placards in South Carolina — particularly those who receive primary mobility/functional care from licensed physical therapists.
  • Licensed physical therapists — gain authority to certify placard eligibility and indicate temporary vs. permanent status.
  • State agencies that process placard applications (e.g., Department of Motor Vehicles) — may need to accept certifications signed by physical therapists and adjust intake/verification procedures accordingly.
  • Physicians and other currently authorized certifiers — no removal of existing authority is shown.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced and referred to committee in early 2025 (filed Jan 30, 2025; referred to Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs).
  • Committee reported “favorable with amendment” (Mar 20, 2025).
  • House amended, passed (roll call 112–0) and read a third time; sent to the Senate (Mar 25–26, 2025).
  • Referred to Senate Committee on Medical Affairs; hearings were scheduled for Nov 13, 2025 (per docket updates).
  • Becomes law only after gubernatorial approval.

Implementation & potential impacts

  • Likely to simplify access to placards for patients actively receiving physical therapy without requiring a separate physician visit solely to obtain certification.
  • Administrative updates may be needed at DMV to recognize physical therapist credentials and signature formats.
  • The bill text does not specify verification, scope limitations, or disciplinary/penalty provisions for improper certifications; enforcement would rely on existing regulatory frameworks for licensed practitioners and placard misuse laws.
  • Fiscal impact is not specified in the bill text; costs are expected to be minimal (administrative processing adjustments).

Note: The materials provided include unrelated text (a Massachusetts House resolution concerning an Article V amendment/convention). The summary above focuses on the South Carolina statutory amendment titled “Medical authorization of handicap placards” (adding Section 40‑45‑285).

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

Sign in to ask a question.