RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 210 (HB 337) 2022 Regular Session Hilferty
New law establishes the application process for obtaining an autism spectrum disorder
designation on a special identification card for new applicants and renewals.
New 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.
New law specifies that no additional fee can be charged to include an autism spectrum
disorder designation.
New 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.
New 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 existing law.
New 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.
New 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.
New law authorizes the deputy secretary of the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to
promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of new law. Provides rule
oversight authority to the House and Senate committees on transportation, highways and
public works.
Effective August 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 40:1321(S); Adds R.S. 40:1321(T))