SB 1034: Vehicles: special license plates.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law defines “disabled veteran” for purposes of the Vehicle Code as, among other things, a person who, as a result of injury or disease suffered while on active service with the Armed Forces of the United States, has a disability that has been rated at 100% by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Existing law also defines a “disabled veteran” as a veteran who is unable to move without the aid of an assistant device. Existing law defines a “disabled person” as a person who has lost, or has lost the use of, one or more lower extremities or both hands, or who has significant limitation in the use of lower extremities, or who has a diagnosed disease or disorder which substantially impairs or interferes with mobility, or who is so severely disabled as to be unable to move without the aid of an assistant device, among other conditions.

This bill would expand the definition of “disabled veteran” to include a person who has a condition that meets the eligibility requirements for a disabled person, as specified above.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles, upon application and without additional fees, to issue a special license plate or plates to a disabled person, disabled veteran, or an organization or agency involved in the transportation of disabled persons or veterans, as specified, in accordance with procedures adopted by the department. Existing law authorizes a disabled person or disabled veteran to apply to the department for the issuance of a distinguishing placard in lieu of the special license plate or plates for parking purposes, as specified. Existing law authorizes the department to establish procedures for the issuance and renewal of the placards.

This bill would require the department to issue a special license plate or plates to a disabled veteran rated 100% permanent and total if the veteran also qualifies for the placard mentioned above, regardless of whether the qualifying mobility condition is service connected.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 14, 2026May 14 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
2. May 8, 2026Set for hearing May 14.
3. May 4, 2026May 4 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
4. April 24, 2026Set for hearing May 4.
5. April 21, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 4. Noes 0. Page 3956.) (April 20). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
6. April 14, 2026From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on M. & V.A.
7. April 8, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on M. & V.A. (Ayes 12. Noes 0. Page 3760.) (April 7). Re-referred to Com. on M. & V.A.
8. March 17, 2026Set for hearing April 7.
9. February 18, 2026Referred to Coms. on TRANS. and M. & V.A.
10. February 12, 2026From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 14.
11. February 11, 2026Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.