Iowans rely on their vehicles to get to work, pick up groceries, drive their kids to school and more. This includes Iowans living with disabilities. That is why the Senate Agriculture Committee voted to strengthen the state law for assistance with fuel pumps at Iowa gas stations.
People with disabilities can find it difficult or impossible to gas up their vehicles if they are unable to use the controls, hose or nozzle of a fuel pump. They may not be able to get their gas at self-service stations, and may be forced to use full-service stations, where fuel is more expensive.
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), authored by Iowa’s very own U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, gave civil rights protections to people with disabilities. The ADA requirements, however, do not provide a system that works well enough for the disabled community it intends to assist. The call button that is presently required on gas pumps is inaccessible for many disabled individuals who require a button that can be operated with a closed fist. In addition, it is impossible to reach the ADA’s small, flush button from the vehicle.
Senate File 251 mandates changes only if a new gas station is built or pump stations are remodeled. The bill also provides an income tax credit to stations that voluntarily make these changes. The tax credit partially defrays the cost of compliance, which will benefit those with disabilities.