Amends TCA Title 3; Title 4; Title 12; Title 55 and Title 68.

This bill requires the commissioner of general services to promulgate rules for the purpose of designating a symbol depicting a logo with a dynamic character leaning forward with a sense of movement, and, when appropriate for signage, the word "Accessible", to be used instead of the international symbol of access for persons with disabilities to designate every point of access for persons with disabilities for all state buildings, structures, or real property constructed or purchased on or after July 1, 2019. For existing state buildings, structures, and real property, signage indicating access for persons with disabilities must include the new dynamic logo as the signage is replaced or repaired, or when an existing state building, structure, or real property is renovated at a cost of $10,000 or more.<br /> <br /> This bill requires the department of revenue to utilize the new dynamic logo for the issuance of all new registrations, placards, decals, and license plates on or after July 1, 2019. Existing registrations, placards, decals, and license plates will be converted upon replacement, including upon a request for replacement by a driver or passenger with a disability.<br /> <br /> Present law requires that each parking space designated as accessible under the Disabled Drivers Law of 1975 must be marked and maintained with the international symbol of access for persons with disabilities. This bill adds authorization to mark such parking spaces with the new dynamic logo.<br /> <br /> This bill will take effect upon becoming a law for administrative and rulemaking purposes, and July 1, 2019, for all other purposes.<br /> <br /> ON FEBRUARY 25, 2019, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 46, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 changes this bill's effective date for purposes other than administrative matters and rulemaking from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020.<br /> <br /> This amendment replaces the $10,000 threshold for renovation costs that would trigger the requirement to replace signage on state property, thereby requiring replacement when the area of an existing state building, structure, or real property containing signage is renovated. This amendment also specifies that this bill's requirement for replacing signage on state property only applies to existing and future buildings, structures, and real property owned, leased, or under the control of the department of transportation to the extent that the symbol of access complies with the laws and regulations of the federal highway administration.<br /> <br /> This amendment specifies that utilization of the new dynamic symbol of access will only be required for registrations, placards, decals, and license plates when the existing supply of such items is exhausted. Additionally, this amendment requires that if a person wants to replace an existing registration, placard, decal, or license plate in order to obtain a replacement that includes the new dynamic symbol of access, the person must pay the same fee otherwise due for the initial issuance of such registration, placard, decal, or license plate.<br /> <br /> This amendment clarifies that a disabled driver may continue to renew personalized license plates that bear the current stylized wheelchair symbol.<br /> <br /> This amendment clarifies that use of the new dynamic symbol of access on signs that denote accessible parking places must comply with federal law.<br /> <br /> ON MARCH 18, 2019, THE HOUSE SUBSTITUTED SENATE BILL 46 FOR HOUSE BILL 62, ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1, AND PASSED SENATE BILL 46, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 removes the provision (added by Senate Amendment #1) that specifies that this bill's requirement for replacing signage on state property only applies to existing and future buildings, structures, and real property owned, leased, or under the control of the department of transportation to the extent that the symbol of access complies with the laws and regulations of the federal highway administration. This amendment adds that a state governmental entity that receives documentation from a federal agency that compliance with a provision of this bill may jeopardize federal funding or grant money for the state governmental entity is not required to comply with such provision; provided, that the state governmental entity must comply with each provision of this bill that does not jeopardize such federal funding or grant money.<br /> <br />