Bill > H2686

This bill requires the municipal police training committee to develop a comprehensive in-service training curriculum for law enforcement and correction officers focused on interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The training, which must be established by January 1, 2024, will include at least 2 hours of instruction covering topics such as understanding autism spectrum disorders, appropriate interviewing techniques, locating and safely returning individuals who may have run away, legal duties during arrests, de-escalation strategies, and distinguishing between autism-related behaviors and belligerence. The curriculum emphasizes positive responses, sensory and language processing differences, and appropriate interrogation methods, with training presenters including adults on the autism spectrum and experts with backgrounds in both autism and law enforcement. Importantly, the bill requires the training to address interactions with individuals across the autism spectrum, including those with intersecting marginalized identities, without increasing the total hours of required in-service training. The goal is to improve law enforcement's understanding and handling of interactions with individuals who have autism or developmental disabilities, ensuring their safety and protecting their rights.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2686