summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
03/19/2026
03/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Passed
05/06/2026
05/06/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/06/2026
05/06/2026
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to prestige license plates and special plates for certain persons and vehicles, so as to provide for special license plates for persons with autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability and for such person's spouse, parent, or legal guardian; to provide for a process for obtaining such plates; to provide for the design of such plates; to provide for the transfer of such plates; to provide for penalties for willful and false representations and statements; to provide a definition; to amend Chapter 8 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to employment and training of peace officers, so as to provide for training regarding encounters with persons with autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability; to provide for collaboration with the Department of Community Health, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and nonprofit organizations regarding such training; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as "Rio's Law," establishes special license plates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a developmental disability, as well as their spouses, parents, or legal guardians, requiring a doctor's affidavit to obtain them and specifying that these plates will feature a "Just Bee" symbol or similar design, with penalties for misuse. Additionally, the bill mandates that beginning in 2027, all peace officer basic training courses in Georgia will include specialized instruction on interacting with individuals with ASD or developmental disabilities, covering best practices for encounters, investigations, communication, recognizing symptoms, de-escalation techniques, and contacting caregivers during emergencies, with this training to be developed in collaboration with relevant state departments and expert nonprofit organizations.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
John Albers (R)*,
Jason Anavitarte (R)*,
Tonya Anderson (D)*,
Timothy Bearden (R)*,
Drew Echols (R)*,
Elena Parent (D)*,
Brian Strickland (R)*,
Eddie Lumsden (R),
Last Action
Act 423 (on 05/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72533 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/247727 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/244025 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/243230 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/240642 |
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