SPRINGFIELD – Individuals displaced by federally declared natural disasters would be eligible to receive a temporary disabled parking placard in the State of Illinois under legislation proposed by State Senator Omar Aquino (D –Chicago).

While the state of Illinois currently recognizes out-of-state disability parking placards, the law aims to assist victims who were forced to flee on short notice, leaving documents such as disability placards and licenses behind.

More than 1,600 Puerto Ricans have relocated to Chicago since the hurricane hit Puerto Rico on September 20, according to the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication.

The issue was brought to Senator Aquino’s attention by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, who partnered with the City of Chicago to facilitate a welcome center at the Humboldt Park Field House to help displaced families transition to Chicago.

“Being a natural disaster refugee should not exclude an individual living with a medical disability from accessing benefits afforded to the rest of us,” Aquino said. “This legislation would remove another burden displaced families have to deal with in the difficult aftermath of a natural disaster.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 2285, passed the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House for consideration.