New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08367

Introduced
5/13/25  

Caption

Allows individuals to apply to display a symbol on their driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards indicating that the individual has a non-apparent disability to assist law enforcement and emergency personnel in providing appropriate support during interactions.

Impact

The implementation of this bill will specifically affect how law enforcement and emergency responders engage with individuals with non-apparent disabilities. By having the disability indicator on their identification, individuals can communicate their need for understanding and support, potentially improving the outcomes of such interactions. Furthermore, the bill mandates that information related to the disability will be protected under privacy laws, ensuring that individuals' personal health information remains confidential. This aspect of the bill aims to enhance trust between the disabled community and law enforcement.

Summary

A08367 is a legislative measure aimed at amending the vehicle and traffic law in New York State. It allows individuals with non-apparent disabilities to apply for a discrete symbol to be displayed on their driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards. This initiative is proposed to facilitate better interactions between individuals with disabilities and law enforcement or emergency personnel. The bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing disabilities that are not immediately visible and aims to promote awareness and sensitivity during stressful interactions.

Contention

While the bill has been met with general support, there may be concerns regarding the interpretation and usage of the disability indicator. Critics could argue that even with stringent privacy protections, the visibility of such a symbol may lead to stigmatization or misunderstanding. Furthermore, there might be discussions about the adequacy of training for law enforcement and emergency responders regarding the proper interaction with individuals displaying the indicator. It will be crucial for the associated educational materials to comprehensively address these sensitivities to ensure the bill achieves its intended goals without inadvertently creating new issues.

Companion Bills

NY S07937

Same As Allows individuals to apply to display a symbol on their driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards indicating that the individual has a non-apparent disability to assist law enforcement and emergency personnel in providing appropriate support during interactions.

Previously Filed As

NY S04341

Relates to public health emergency allowances against sentences for certain incarcerated individuals; allows up to twelve months of public health emergency allowances to be given to incarcerated individuals during a public health crisis.

NY S03336

Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals with a disability with special emphasis on the techniques needed to improve interactions with individuals that are blind or deaf or hard of hearing; provides such training shall be created in consultation with the justice center for the protection of people with special needs.

NY A08623

Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals with a disability with special emphasis on the techniques needed to improve interactions with individuals that are blind or deaf or hard of hearing; provides such training shall be created in consultation with the justice center for the protection of people with special needs.

NY A09624

Provides for automatic issuance of identification cards to incarcerated individuals and assistance with obtaining copies of any documents needed to apply for identification cards, including, but not limited to, an incarcerated individual's social security card and birth certificate.

NY S09058

Provides for automatic issuance of identification cards to incarcerated individuals and assistance with obtaining copies of any documents needed to apply for identification cards, including, but not limited to, an incarcerated individual's social security card and birth certificate.

NY S03178

Requires fares for paratransit services providing public transportation for eligible individuals with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using public buses and subways for some or all of their trips, to be made available at the same fares for individuals with disabilities or health conditions who are able to utilize public buses and subways.

NY A09402

Requires fares for paratransit services providing public transportation for eligible individuals with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using public buses and subways for some or all of their trips, to be made available at the same fares for individuals with disabilities or health conditions who are able to utilize public buses and subways.

NY S07901

Relates to the issuance of driver's licenses and emergency medical personnel designation; allows the use of alternate forms of identification where an applicant for a driver's license does not have a social security number or Individual Tax Identification Number.

NY A05690

Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance to establish a universal benefits form for individuals seeking public assistance.

NY S03105

Requires the office for people with developmental disabilities to produce and publish a report to assess the staffing and other issues causing the continued displacement of individuals with developmental disabilities from various state-operated institutions under the jurisdiction of the office for people with developmental disabilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.