summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Passed
Dead
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 or a developmental disability, and also allows their spouse, parent, or legal guardian to obtain these plates for a jointly owned vehicle or their own vehicle, respectively, starting January 1, 2027, requiring an affidavit from a licensed medical or psychological professional to verify the condition. The law also mandates that starting January 1, 2027, peace officer training courses must include specific instruction on interacting with individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities, covering best practices for encounters, investigations, communication, recognizing symptoms, and emergency protocols, with this training to be developed in collaboration with relevant state departments and expert nonprofit organizations. Furthermore, the bill outlines penalties, including misdemeanor charges, for anyone who falsely claims eligibility for these special plates or for medical professionals who knowingly provide false affidavits, and specifies that these special plates will be canceled if the individual with the disability passes away or joint ownership ceases, with a regular plate then being issued.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
John Albers (R)*,
Jason Anavitarte (R)*,
Tonya Anderson (D)*,
Timothy Bearden (R)*,
Drew Echols (R)*,
Elena Parent (D)*,
Brian Strickland (R)*,
Last Action
Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (on 02/25/2026)
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/20252026/244025 |
| 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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