State Rep. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, today announced that House Bill 115, a bill that establishes a voluntary program to help facilitate effective communication between law enforcement and individuals with communication disabilities, will be officially effective tomorrow, Aug. 1.
Under the legislation, jointly sponsored by Rep. Gavarone and Rep. Scott Wiggam, R-Wooster, an individual may voluntarily submit a verification form, signed by their physician, to the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles to be designated as an individual with a communication disability. This information is then made available to state and local law enforcement only through the Law Enforcement Automated Data Systems, more commonly referred to as LEADS.
Ultimately, the legislation aims to be a positive, beneficial resource for the law enforcement community and people who suffer from communication disabilities such as autism, a hearing impairment and PTSD. By notifying officers that the driver may have difficulty speaking before they approach the vehicle, it allows them to put into action their training for how to best serve disabled individuals.
The bill was signed into law by Governor John Kasich on May 2, 2018.
Individuals interested in voluntarily enrolling in the database connected to LEADS can learn more information here: http://ood.ohio.gov/.
