The final outcome of all the other legislation CDR has been following will be listed at the Legislative Advocacy link after October 15. In the meantime, here's the big news.
GOVERNOR DAVIS SIGNS FULL AND EQUAL ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABLITIES BILL ON OCTOBER 11.
Governor Gray Davis has signed legislation that will prohibit denying protected groups, including persons with disabilities, full and equal access to benefits or discrimination in any state program.
AB 677 by Assembly Member Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) requires the State to comply with the same non-discriminatory obligations applied to its political subdivisions and contractors receiving State funds. It also revises the definition of "disability" to conform to the definition in the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Currently, FEHA protects Californians from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, and from the perpetration of acts of hate violence.
AB 677 also is designed to reduce the rate of fraudulent use of disabled placards by ensuring that a portion of disability parking placards be printed in contrasting colors that will be changed every two years.
In addition, the bill prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from imposing the $6 fee for disability placards except for temporary placards for individuals who are temporarily disabled. The bill also eliminates the fee for temporary disability placards for individuals with ongoing disabilities who are visiting the state.
(Steinberg): Equal access to State programs: Parking placards. CDR sponsored bill, to modify Gov. Code section 11135 on nondiscrimination to include state entities, to remove DMV authority to charge fees for placards, and to change the shape of the placard every two years.
Status: Referred to Judiciary and Transportation. For hearing in Judiciary April 3. Position: Support. CDR sponsored bill.
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