By Daniel Stefanski |
A bill to help bolster communications between law enforcement officials and Arizonans with disabilities is advancing through the state legislature.
Earlier this week, the Arizona House of Representatives Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement passed HB 2330, which was sponsored by State Representative Julie Willoughby. If signed into law, this proposal would “direct the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to allow individuals to voluntarily disclose if they or their vehicle have a communication disability, ensuring that this information is accessible to law enforcement officers during traffic stops and other interactions.”
In a statement that accompanied a press release to announce the bill’s progress, Willoughby said, “Public safety means making sure all Arizonans – especially those with unique needs – are understood and protected in interactions with law enforcement. HB 2330 is a commonsense step to give officers the tools they need to respond appropriately while giving individuals with communication disabilities the opportunity to self-identify in a way that can help de-escalate situations.”
Representative Willoughby added, “This bill aligns with the House Republican Majority’s commitment to secure communities, ensuring law enforcement has the resources and information they need to do their jobs effectively and safely.”
According to Willoughby’s release, “Under current law, ADOT provides a medical code designation on a driver’s license but does not retain it in records unless specifically requested.” This bill “improves on this by allowing individuals to voluntarily disclose communication disabilities in both driver and vehicle records, ensuring that first responders have timely access to this critical information.”
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from the Town of Gilbert, City of Goodyear, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, League of Arizona Cities & Towns, City of Chandler, and Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, endorsed the proposal from Representative Willoughby.
HB 2330 sailed through the House committee with an overwhelmingly bipartisan 15-0 vote. It will soon be considered by the full chamber.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
