South Dakota is expanding who can certify that someone has a disability qualifying them for special license plates and accessible parking permits—now allowing physician assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, and certified nurse practitioners to sign off on applications, not just physicians. The bill also clarifies that parents or legal guardians can apply for these permits when they use their vehicle to transport a dependent with a substantial physical disability. Additionally, the state health secretary must create a formal definition of what counts as a "substantial physical disability" under this law.
The amendment changes terminology throughout the bill from "person" to "individual" and removes references to "physician's certificate" while clarifying that certifications can be signed by various licensed healthcare providers (physicians, physician assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, or certified nurse practitioners). These changes STRENGTHEN the bill by broadening who can certify disabilities and simplifying language, while also making minor grammatical corrections (like "dependant" to "dependent" and "shall" to "must").
Signed by the Governor H.J. 496
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 480
Signed by the President S.J. 434
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 462
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 0. S.J. 401
Senate Deferred to another day S.J. 373
Health and Human Services Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 19
Health and Human Services Do Pass Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 19
Health and Human Services Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Health and Human Services S.J. 143
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 65, NAYS 2. H.J. 166
Transportation Certified uncontested, placed on consent
Transportation Do Pass Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 0.
Transportation Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
First read in House and referred to House Transportation H.J. 104
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Do Pass
Health and Human Services — Do Pass
Do Pass
Transportation — Do Pass