89R4761 MZM-D
By: Hughes S.B. No. 680
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the notification of a peace officer through an
indication associated with vehicle registration that a person has a
health condition or disability that may impede effective
communication.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 502.061, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to
read as follows:
(a) An application for registration must provide space for
the applicant to voluntarily indicate that the applicant has a
health condition or disability that may impede effective
communication with a peace officer. The department may request
from a person who makes an indication under this subsection
verification of a condition in the form of a written statement from,
as appropriate for the person's condition or disability, a [:
[(1) for a physical health condition, a written
statement from a] licensed physician, [; or
[(2) for a mental health condition, a written
statement from a licensed physician, a] licensed psychologist, [or
a] non-physician mental health professional, as defined by Section
571.003, Health and Safety Code, speech-language pathologist,
occupational therapist, audiologist, school psychologist, or other
health care provider.
(b) For each person who voluntarily indicated on an
application under Subsection (a) that the person has a health
condition or disability that may impede effective communication,
the [The] department shall:
(1) provide to the Department of Public Safety the
vehicle registration information of the person; and
(2) inform the Department of Public Safety whether the
person's health condition or disability is categorized as:
(A) a speech or language impairment;
(B) a hearing impairment; or
(C) autism spectrum disorder.
(b-1) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the [a person
who voluntarily indicated on an application under Subsection (a)
that the person has a health condition or disability that may impede
effective communication. The] department may not provide to the
Department of Public Safety information that shows the type of
health condition or disability a person has.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.