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 516 Original 2023 Regular Session Kerner Abstract: Authorizes special identification stickers or decals for persons with autism spectrum disorder or their guardian to inform law enforcement that there is a person with this disorder in the vehicle and to respond accordingly. Present law provides for identification stickers or decals for the deaf and hard of hearing. Proposed law adds persons with autism spectrum disorder and their guardian to be included in present law and specifies that this particular identification sticker or decal would be placed on the rear window. Present law specifies that the sticker or decal is to be offered when the driver's license is issued and the person has the option of it being applied to the windshield. Proposed law requires the decal be placed in a space that does not interfere with the visibility of the driver. Present law requires that persons applying for this sticker or decal attach a statement to the application indicating a hearing loss attested by one of the following: a medical physician, audiologists, or speech pathologist. Proposed law modifies present law by requiring proof instead of a statement indicating a hearing loss. Also, specifies that medical and communication professionals must be qualified and adds mental health professional to the list. Further, specifies the guardian of a person with a autism spectrum disorder can follow the same steps in providing proof of statement of the disability. (Amends R.S. 32:403.3)