Bill > S1741

This bill requires the municipal police training committee to develop a comprehensive in-service training curriculum by January 1, 2026, focused on improving law enforcement and correctional officers' interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training, which will not increase current training hours, must cover key areas including positive responses, de-escalation techniques, understanding sensory and language processing differences, and appropriate interrogation methods. Specifically, the curriculum will mandate at least 2 hours of instruction covering the nature of autism spectrum disorders, interview techniques that protect individuals' rights, strategies for locating and safely returning individuals who run away, legal duties related to arrest and restraint, de-escalation tactics, methods to distinguish between autism-related behaviors and belligerence, and procedures to ensure the safety of these individuals in correctional facilities. The training will be unique in that it requires presentations from adults on the autism spectrum and, where possible, experts with both autism and law enforcement backgrounds, ensuring a comprehensive and empathetic approach to understanding and supporting individuals with these disabilities during police interactions.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1741