HB 170 — The notification of a peace officer through an indicatio

90R5296 SZA-D By: Martinez H.B. No. 170 relating to the notification of a peace officer through an indication associated with vehicle registration that a person has a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication.

SECTION 1. Sections 502.061(a) and (b), Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) An application for registration must provide space for the applicant to voluntarily indicate that the applicant has a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication with a peace officer. The department may request from a person who makes an indication under this subsection verification of a condition in the form of a written statement from, as appropriate for the person's condition or disability, a [ : [ (1) for a physical health condition, a written statement from a ] licensed physician , [ ; or [ (2) for a mental health condition, a written statement from a licensed physician, a ] licensed psychologist, [ or a ] non-physician mental health professional, as defined by Section 571.003, Health and Safety Code , speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, audiologist, school psychologist, or other health care provider . (b) For each person who voluntarily indicated on an application under Subsection (a) that the person has a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication, the [ The ] department shall : (1) provide to the Department of Public Safety the vehicle registration information of the person; and (2) inform the Department of Public Safety whether the person: (A) has a speech or language impairment; (B) is deaf or has a hearing impairment; or (C) has autism spectrum disorder [ a person who voluntarily indicated on an application under Subsection (a) that the person has a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication. The department may not provide to the Department of Public Safety information that shows the type of health condition or disability a person has ].

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.