Bill > S4071

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a certification card, which is to be issued upon the request of a person who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or upon the request of the guardian or caregiver of the person, denoting that the person has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The certification card is to be issued by the Division of Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Human Services (division). Under the bill, the certification card, along with the person's basic license or State-issued non-driver identification card as necessary, may be presented to a law enforcement officer or emergency medical service provider for the purposes of assisting the law enforcement officer or emergency medical service provider in identifying and effectively communicating with the person. The certification card is to explain that the person has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, may have difficulty communicating or understanding directions, and may become agitated when touched or in stressful situations. The certification card is also to provide the emergency contact information of a person who can confirm the cardholder's diagnosis and a person who can communicate on behalf of the cardholder. The bill requires the division to establish the documentation required to be produced by a person who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or the guardian or caregiver of the person, in order to receive the certification card and permits the division to collect a reasonable fee that is not greater than the cost to issue the certification card.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Bob Singer (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 08/26/2019)

Official Document