Reps. LaJoy, Taub, Casperson, Farhat, Pastor, Emmons, Acciavatti, Walker, Stewart, Nofs, Caswell, Stahl, Ward, Huizenga, Hune, Van Regenmorter, Pappageorge, Shaffer, Caul, DeRossett, Law, Paletko and Stakoe offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 34.

            A resolution to urge the Disability Rights Section of the United States Department of Justice to provide clearer requirements for markings that designate the access aisle for accessible parking places.

            Whereas, State and federal requirements for certain numbers of accessible parking places in public parking lots also include requirements that an access aisle be provided.  Access aisles make it possible for people with disabilities, especially those using wheelchairs, to exit and enter their vehicles without obstructions in the space as intended; and

            Whereas, Although federal requirements indicate that the access aisles must be marked, no guidelines exist to indicate how or where the aisles should be marked.  As a result, there are inconsistencies in how these aisles and parking places appear.  This is a cause for concern for people with disabilities and their families; and

            Whereas, Michigan's efforts to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including the 2000 enactment that authorizes ticketing and towing a vehicle illegally parked in the access aisle, are thwarted by the lack of a uniform marking system.  The move to consistency in marking these areas, at the state as well as the national level, will increase compliance with laws already in place, which will prove beneficial to many of our citizens and visitors and their families; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Disability Rights Section of the United States Department of Justice to provide clearer requirements for markings that designate the access aisle for accessible parking places; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Disability Rights Section of the United States Department of Justice.