DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 337 Original 2022 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Creates an autism spectrum disorder designation for a special identification card.
Proposed law establishes the application process for obtaining an autism spectrum disorder
designation on a special identification card for new applicants and renewals.
Proposed law requires an autism spectrum disorder designation be displayed on a special
identification card upon receipt of a statement from a qualified medical or mental health professional
licensed in La. or any other state or territory of the U.S. verifying the applicant's disability as
established by administrative rule. Further requires the qualified medical or mental health
professional be authorized to diagnose autism spectrum disorder.
Proposed law specifies that no additional fee can be charged to include an autism spectrum disorder
designation.
Proposed law specifies that any person who has not been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
who makes a false statement of having the qualification to obtain the special designation will be
fined not less than $100 nor more than $250, or be imprisoned for not more than 30 days, or both.
Further, requires any subsequent offense carry a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500, or
imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.
Proposed law requires the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections, public safety services, to establish
and implement a law enforcement training course relative to law enforcement officers' interactions
with persons who have autism spectrum disorder, in addition to the requirements of present law.
Proposed law requires the course to instruct law enforcement officers on sensitivity and awareness
to ensure equitable treatment and how to effectively communicate and interact with persons who
have autism.
Proposed law requires the course include identification of indicators that a person has autism;
identification of procedures that an officer should employ when encountering a person who has
autism; demonstrations of communication and interactive techniques required to effectively interact
with a person who has autism; explanations that provide law enforcement officers with an
understanding of developmental disabilities and examples of unexpected actions potentially taken
by persons diagnosed with autism; explanations of the resources available to assist an officer
encountering a person who has autism; and descriptions of the procedures an officer should use to
ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act when encountering a person who has autism.
Proposed law authorizes the deputy secretary of the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to
promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of proposed law. Provides rule
oversight authority to the House and Senate committees on transportation, highways and public
works.
(Amends R.S. 40:1321(S); Adds R.S. 40:1321(T))