Bill > S07937

This bill establishes a voluntary program allowing individuals with non-apparent disabilities to request a discrete symbol on their driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards to help law enforcement and emergency personnel provide appropriate support during interactions. A non-apparent disability is defined as a medically documented physical, mental, intellectual, or neurological condition that isn't visibly obvious but may affect a person's ability to communicate or respond in stressful situations. To obtain the indicator, applicants must submit a certification from a licensed healthcare provider and a signed authorization. The symbol (such as a butterfly) will be small and discreet, designed to avoid revealing specific details about the disability. The bill emphasizes privacy protections, ensuring that the disability information cannot be disclosed without the individual's authorization. The commissioner of motor vehicles is required to develop educational materials for law enforcement, emergency responders, and the public about the purpose of the indicator, and there will be no additional fee for adding the symbol to a license or ID card. The program aims to improve interactions between individuals with non-apparent disabilities and emergency personnel by providing a simple, non-intrusive way to signal potential communication challenges.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7937