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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 5, 2021 11:35 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator John P. Sabatina, Jr. |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | ‘Communication Impediment’ License Designation for Autistic, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing – Assisting First Responders. |
| Soon I plan to introduce legislation that creates an optional designation for vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses or state issued photo identification cards for individuals that wish to voluntarily disclose that they have a ‘communication impediment’. The designation would help ensure better, safer encounters between first responders and those with communication impediments – including individuals who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or autistic. The designation would not be physically visible on a registration, license, or ID card, rather they would be visible to law enforcement officers when they run their registration or ID through the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Information Network (CLEAN). My bill will join legislation that has been implemented in Texas and Michigan and celebrated by advocates of the autism and deaf and hard of hearing communities. This legislation is especially important due to the triggering nature of law enforcement encounters for autistic individuals. People with autism can experience sensory overload due to sensitivity to loud noises, bright lights and being touched. Blaring sirens, loud vocal commands and a fast approach from an officer could make people with autism anxious and cause them to behave in ways officers might find strange or threatening. This could potentially create a tragic situation. I encourage my colleagues to join me in signing onto this important legislation to promote better and safer interactions between first responders and those with communication impediments. Thank you and I welcome your partnership in this effort. |