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 Reengrossed 2023 Regular Session Kerner
Abstract: Authorizes the use of special identification stickers, decals, and a flag on the vehicle
registration of persons with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers to inform law enforcement
that there may be a person with the disorder in the vehicle.
Present law (R.S. 32:403.3) authorizes the office of motor vehicles within the Dept. of Public Safety
and Corrections (the office) to issue identification stickers or decals to the deaf and hard of hearing
and to place a flag code on the person's vehicle registration upon presentation of a statement
indicating a hearing loss attested by a physician, audiologist, or speech pathologist. Further provides
that the sticker or decal shall be offered and imprinted on the back of the driver's license under
lamination.
Proposed law retains present law, except to remove the requirement that the sticker or decal shall
be offered and imprinted on the back of the driver's license under lamination.
Proposed law further requires that if the user applies the sticker or decal to the windshield or license
plate, it shall be placed in a space that does not interfere with the visibility of the vehicle operator.
Present law (R.S. 32:412(P)) provides that upon request of an applicant for a driver's license, a
designation that the applicant has autism spectrum disorder shall be exhibited on the driver's license
upon presentation of a statement from a qualified medical or mental health professional.
Proposed law retains present law and further authorizes the office to issue identification stickers or
decals for a person who has obtained the autism spectrum disorder designation in accordance with
present law or his parent, legal guardian, or other caregiver and to place a flag code on such person's
vehicle registration upon presentation of a statement indicating the disability of the person with
autism spectrum disorder attested by a physician, mental health professional, or occupational
therapist.
Proposed law provides that the documentation submitted as proof that an individual is deaf, hard of
hearing, or diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is not subject to disclosure pursuant to the
Public Records Law and any person seeking such documentation shall obtain a court order after a
contradictory hearing against the applicant.
(Amends R.S. 32:403.3 and R.S. 44:4.1(B)(19))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Change "a person with autism spectrum disorder" to "persons with autism spectrum
disorder who have obtained the autism spectrum disorder designation" in accordance
with present law.
3. Add a provision requiring proof, at the time of application, of the disorder for which the
sticker or decal is requested.
4. Add an exception for documentation provided to the office of motor vehicles from public
records law.
5. Add a provision that provides medical requirements for obtaining a driver's license
identification decal or sticker.
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the engrossed bill:
1. Change "court-appointed guardian" to "parent, legal guardian, or other caregiver".
2. Make technical changes.