The legislature is working on several proposals that could improve the outcomes when law enforcement encounters someone with autism.
HB 1097 (Laufer) expands on the protection offered by “blue envelopes,” by including the provisions of that law in compulsory in-service training for law enforcement. The “blue envelope” law, passed last year, enables drivers with autism spectrum disorder to have specific requests to share with law enforcement when there is any kind of encounter. The information is contained in a specially designed envelop to alert law enforcement that special consideration may be needed. HB 1097 was approved by the House and, today, was approved by the Senate.
HB 246 (Watts) and SB 335 (Boysko) create an affirmative defense for someone with autism, mental illness or related disabilities, when the disability contributes to an assault on a police officer. The House bill has been slightly amended on the Senate side, but is on its way to Senate Finance for review. The Senate bill has been approved by both the House and the Senate and will now be sent to the Governor for review.
HB 247 (Watts) and SB 416 (Boysko) allow for early diversion in a criminal proceeding where the individual has autism or a developmental disability, and allows for any criminal charge to be expunged from the individual’s record. Under this bill, an individual can seek deferred disposition at any time, including before a plea is entered, and that any statement made by a person in those proceedings cannot be admissible against them. The House bill was approved by the House and by the Senate Courts of Justice. The Senate version was approved by both the Senate and the House and now goes to the Governor for review.
Our mission is to advance independence, choice and self-determination; protect legal, human and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation. We are available to educate policy makers about the potential impact of legislative proposals.