HARRISBURG – The Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), in partnership with Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18), to help protect individuals with communication barriers during interactions with law enforcement.
Senate Bill 802 would allow Pennsylvanians to voluntarily include a designation on their driver’s license, state-issued ID and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) electronic records indicating a potential communication barrier. This designation is designed to assist law enforcement officers in recognizing an individual may communicate differently due to an “invisible disability” (ID), such as deafness, autism or other conditions.
Under the legislation, individuals with invisible disabilities could apply for the designation free of charge, with a doctor’s sign-off, through a process similar to obtaining a handicap parking placard. The designation would appear as a symbol on the license or ID card and be noted in PennDOT’s records, alerting officers during traffic stops or other interactions.
“This is a small change to an identification card that could make a world of difference to those with invisible disabilities — a better ID for those with IDs,” Stefano said. “This simple, free, completely voluntary designation can help prevent miscommunications and ensure encounters with law enforcement remain safe and respectful.”
The idea for this legislation originated more than five years ago when a constituent who is hard of hearing experienced a needlessly escalated confrontation with a police officer and asked Stefano for a solution to prevent similar instances in the future. Boscola also shares a similar story, prompting the two senators to collaborate on this bipartisan effort.
“For someone who is deaf, hard of hearing, autistic or has another communication barrier, even a routine traffic stop can quickly become confusing and overwhelming,” Boscola said. “This bill gives Pennsylvanians a simple tool that can help prevent misunderstandings, improve communication and make these interactions safer for everyone involved. I was proud to work with Senator Stefano on getting this bill passed by the Senate.”
At least 32 other states have implemented similar voluntary designations.
Senate Bill 802 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri (Stefano)
Ian Dimm (Boscola)