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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20170&cosponId=22497
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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: January 25, 2017 01:03 PM
From: Representative Dom Costa
To: All House members
Subject: Autism Spectrum Disorder Designation
 
In the near future, I intend to reintroduce House Bill 104, which would amend §1510 of Title 75 (Vehicles) by adding section (a.2) Autism Spectrum Disorder Designation. This would allow an individual who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder to request a voluntary designation of their diagnosis on their driver’s license or state-issued identification card.


Individuals on the autism spectrum can have a difficult time communicating with strangers, especially in tense situations, such as emergencies involving police and fire personnel. A notation on their driver’s license or identification card will alert emergency responders to the individual’s condition and allow them to interact with the person in a more appropriate fashion. The notation on the cards is voluntary and an individual must present a sworn statement from a qualified medical professional to the Department of Transportation for the notation to be added.

Additionally, my legislation would add §1521 Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness. This section allows for any individual applying for an original or renewal driver’s license or identification card to make a voluntary $1 contribution to the newly created Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness Account. These funds would be placed in a restricted account in the General Fund to be used only by the Department of Health to offer education and training to working professionals for interactions and understanding with individuals on autism spectrum.

Please join me supporting autism awareness by helping bridge the communication gap between individuals with autism and emergency responders.



Introduced as HB335