Bill > HB2096

This bill modifies vehicle registration procedures to allow individuals with health conditions or disabilities that may impede communication with law enforcement to voluntarily indicate this information during their vehicle registration process. Specifically, the bill expands the types of healthcare professionals who can verify a person's condition beyond just physicians and psychologists, now including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, school psychologists, and other healthcare providers. When a person makes this voluntary indication, the Department of Motor Vehicles will provide the vehicle registration information to the Department of Public Safety and categorize the person's condition into one of three categories: speech or language impairment, hearing impairment, or autism spectrum disorder. The bill emphasizes that providing this information is completely voluntary and that the departments are generally prohibited from sharing specific details about an individual's health condition. The purpose appears to be helping peace officers be aware of potential communication challenges during traffic stops or other interactions, while protecting the individual's privacy. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2096