The bill imposes a fine of $500 the first time someone lies on a placard application and $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
BOSTON -- The Massachusetts House on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at curbing abuse of handicapped parking placards.
"This is not a victimless offense," said Rep. William Straus, House chairman of the Transportation Committee, according to the State House News Service. "When the spaces are being used, they are taking access to those spaces away from those who have every right to expect that space will be available to them."
The bill would establish a $50 fine for anyone obstructing the expiration date of a placard. It gives the RMV authority to investigate fraud related to handicapped placards and imposes a fine of $500 the first time someone lies on a placard application and $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
Inspector General Glenn Cunha last year released a report showing widespread abuse of handicapped placards.
The report found drivers misusing placards, using other people's placards and covering expiration dates on placards. Some people got placards, then worked at jobs requiring physical activity that should not have been possible under the state standards for getting a handicapped placard. The RMV extended temporary placards, sometimes for years.
The bill was originally introduced by Sen. Eileen Donoghue, D-Lowell, as S.2178. A version of the bill passed the Senate earlier this month.
The House version, H.3973, which passed unanimously, 152-0, is slightly different. The two versions must be reconciled before they go to Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature.
An amendment introduced by Rep. John Scibak, D-South Hadley, and adopted by the House would use different colors to distinguish between permanent and temporary placards.