Bill > S2178

This bill establishes an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) designation on driver's licenses and identification cards and mandates criminal justice training related to ASD. Specifically, it allows individuals diagnosed with ASD to voluntarily request a numerical notation on their Massachusetts driver's license or identification card, requiring a sworn statement from a qualified medical professional and permission for the diagnosis to be made public on the card. Additionally, the bill mandates that the municipal police training committee develop and implement a curriculum for law enforcement officers by January 1, 2017, focusing on appropriate interactions with individuals with ASD, including de-escalation techniques, understanding sensory and language processing differences, and proper interrogation methods, with at least eight hours of instruction covering various aspects of interacting with and assisting individuals with ASD.