WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 712

Revise the laws governing accessible parking

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Meredith Craig

HB 712 updates accessible parking enforcement, voting place accessibility, building standards, and licensing plate/placard rules to improve compliance and funding.

Referred to committee
#courtsandcivillaw #crimes #corrections #andlawenforcement #healthandhumanservices #motorvehicles #publicsafety #trafficoffenses #transportation #vehicleequipment #vehicleregistrationandtitling
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 712

HB 712 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly) – Summary of Accessible Parking Provisions

Purpose and intent

HB 712 aims to revise Ohio’s laws governing accessible parking. The bill updates definitions, enforcement authority structures, vehicle registration and placard/license plate programs, and related penalties to enhance accessibility compliance, training, and administration.

Key provisions and changes

  • Parking enforcement structures (local units)

    • Allows counties, townships, and police districts to create parking enforcement units within Sheriff or police departments.
    • Units designated to enforce specific parking laws (primarily 4511.69 to 4511.699).
    • Officers may be appointed with nominal compensation; a disability-impacted individual may be appointed.

  • Polling places accessibility (Sec. 3501.29)

    • Requires that polling places be free of barriers for disabled voters.
    • Designates minimum accessible parking at polling places per federal standards (28 CFR Part 36, Appendix A) and relevant Ohio law.
    • Entrances, door widths (minimum 32 inches), and accessible ingress/egress duties clarified.
    • Allows voting outside the polling place in a vehicle with two polling-place officials if a voter cannot enter.
    • Secretary of State must coordinate with agencies and disability organizations to inform about alternative voting options (absentee, voting by vehicle/at the door).

  • Building accessibility standards (Sec. 3781.111)

    • Board of Building Standards to adopt accessibility standards for plans under existing approval process.
    • Signs for accessible parking must be mounted at least five feet high; new signs include a notice of the fine for improper use.

  • Vehicle registration and fees (Secs. 4503.038, 4503.10, 4503.12, etc.)

    • Establishes/adjusts service fees for motor vehicle registrations (baseline $8, with future increases) and prorated multi-year registrations.
    • Adds fees for hybrid/plug-in/hydrogen-electric vehicles.
    • Creates special fees to fund state patrol enforcement and plate/sticker production costs.
    • Introduces incremental special fees for certain vehicle classes and requires remittance to the Public Safety - Highway Purposes Fund.
    • Adds requirements for odometer readings and emissions where applicable; enhances transfer of registration processes and oversight.

  • Accessible license plates and placards (Secs. 4503.41, 4503.442, 4503.443, 4503.444, and related sections)

    • Enables organizations and individuals with mobility disabilities to obtain accessible license plates featuring the international symbol of access.
    • Standards for removable windshield placards (standard, temporary, permanent) with specific color schemes and expiration rules.
    • Placards must display expiration dates; temporary placards have defined durations; permanent placards do not expire.
    • Renewal notices, loss/theft replacement processes, and penalties for improper use or display.
    • Annual collaboration with the Rehabilitation Employment Fund to support services via voluntary two-dollar contributions.

Who is affected

  • Individuals with mobility disabilities and organizations that transport them.
  • Vehicle owners seeking accessible license plates or removable windshield placards.
  • Local and county law enforcement and administrative agencies responsible for parking enforcement and elections facilities.
  • Election boards and polling place managers to ensure accessibility compliance.
  • Builders and plan reviewers affected by accessibility standards for nonresidential buildings.
  • State agencies funding enforcement and accessibility programs (via new and adjusted fees).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Fee changes become effective over time (baseline and subsequent years specified).
  • Some sections reference conformity with federal ADA standards and federal voting accessibility guidelines.
  • The bill embeds a phased approach to enforcement and administration, with training and certification components for building and parking officials.

Overall, HB 712 updates the framework for accessible parking enforcement, voting accessibility, building standards, and the administrative processes surrounding accessible plates and placards, while aligning penalties and funding mechanisms to support these objectives.

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

Sign in to ask a question.