2023 -- H 5503

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LC000796

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS'

LICENSES

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Azzinaro, Ackerman, Newberry, J. Lombardi, J. Brien,
Phillips, Lima, Serpa, Kennedy, and Corvese

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2023

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 31-10 of the General Laws entitled "Operators’ and Chauffeurs’

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Licenses" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     31-10-49. Autism designations for motor vehicle operators.

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     (a) The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, in consultation with the Rhode

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Island Police Chiefs Association and at least one organization that advocates for persons with

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autism spectrum disorder, shall design and make available for persons with autism spectrum

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disorder who are capable of holding a motor vehicle operator's license, registration and insurance

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identification card the following:

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     (1) A motor vehicle operator's license that is clearly marked "autism."

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     (2) Decals that are clearly marked "autism" to be affixed to the vehicle in a conspicuous

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place as prescribed by the administrator.

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     (3) Blue envelopes that provide written information and guidance on the outside of the

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envelopes regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a

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person with autism spectrum disorder.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC000796

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- OPERATORS' AND CHAUFFEURS'

LICENSES

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     This act would require the administrator of the division of motor vehicles (DMV), in

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consultation with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association (RIPCA) and an organization that

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advocates for persons with autism spectrum disorder, to design and make available for persons with

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autism:

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     (1) A motor vehicle operator's license that is clearly marked "autism."

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     (2) Decals that are clearly marked "autism" to be affixed to the vehicle in a conspicuous

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place.

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     (3) Blue envelopes that provide written information regarding ways to enhance

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communication between a police officer and a person with autism.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC000796

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