June 30, 2015
State Representative Larry B. Butler was instrumental in both chambers of the General Assembly passing a measure to establish a fine for placing snow in a handicap parking space. The provision was incorporated in the 2016-2017 budget implementor bill.
"The provision targets the person that blocks or dumps snow in a handicap parking space, whether they are a snow plow driver or someone with a shovel," said Rep. Butler. "The violation is as if you parked your vehicle in the space without a proper permit."
The fine would be $150 and would rely on witnesses reporting to police or police catching the perpetrator. Earlier in the legislative session, the bill failed to make it to the House floor because it was already covered by state statute. Further investigation revealed it was not.
"The idea came from a specific incident at a Waterbury Board of Education meeting where the commission vice chairman Karen Harvey, a member with Multiple Sclerosis had to be helped to her car because the handicap parking spot was not adequately cleared of snow. After I helped her to her car, I knew I had to do more," said Rep. Butler.