State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) has passed legislation aimed at removing hurdles for disabled individuals.

Under current law, disabled individuals (or their parents or guardians) are required to submit a letter from a doctor every year to the Secretary of State declaring that the individual suffers from a disability, before they can be issued disability plates or parking decals. This letter is required every year, even for individuals whose disabilities are permanent.

“There is no reason that people with permanent disabilities should be forced to get new documentation from their doctor every single year just to use accessible parking spots,” said Senator McClure. “This is a common-sense bill to cut through unnecessary red tape to make our state laws less burdensome for people with disabilities.”

McClure’s legislation, Senate Bill 1256, is designed to reduce that burden by requiring the certification to be updated once every 5 years. Additionally, it allows for licensed physical therapists to be able sign off on the applications, potentially saving individuals from an additional costly doctor’s visit.

The Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 1256 on April 9,2025, and it now awaits action in the House.