Alabama House Bill HB370

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23

Caption

Relating to individuals with communication disabilities; to require the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to establish and maintain a database with a list of individuals with communication disabilities for use by law enforcement officers; to require the Alabama Department of Public Health to develop a form for individuals to voluntarily register for the database; and to define terms.

Impact

The implementation of HB370 is expected to facilitate better interactions between law enforcement and individuals with communication disabilities, addressing possible misunderstandings arising from communication barriers. It allows family members or guardians to submit the verification form on behalf of the individuals, ensuring that the relevant details are available when needed. The database information is restricted from being public record, protecting the privacy of those involved.

Summary

House Bill 370 aims to establish a database managed by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency that would contain information on individuals with communication disabilities. This initiative is designed to enhance communication between law enforcement officers and these individuals during encounters, thereby potentially improving safety and understanding in sensitive situations. The bill mandates the Alabama Department of Public Health to create a form for individuals to voluntarily register for inclusion in this database.

Contention

While the bill generally garners support for addressing the needs of a vulnerable population, there might be concerns related to the management of personal data and the criteria for inclusion in the database. Some individuals may question the adequacy of the verification process or the potential misuse of information collected. Additionally, there might be discussions regarding the accountability measures for law enforcement using this database and assurance that it does not lead to any form of discrimination or misunderstanding.