Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2096

Filed

1/24/25

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2096 would require the Department of Public Safety to receive information about individuals who indicate a health condition or disability on their vehicle registration. This information would include categorization of the respondent's condition, such as speech or language impairments, hearing impairments, or autism spectrum disorder. However, the bill ensures privacy by prohibiting the Department of Public Safety from disclosing specific details about the type of health condition or disability. This provision aims to facilitate safety without compromising the confidentiality of the individuals involved.

Summary

House Bill 2096 aims to amend the Transportation Code to enhance the safety and communication between individuals with health conditions or disabilities and peace officers during interactions. The bill mandates that during the vehicle registration process, applicants can voluntarily indicate if they have health conditions or disabilities that might impede communication with law enforcement officers. The legislation emphasizes the importance of this notification as a means to improve understanding and responses during potential encounters between individuals needing assistance and police officers.

Contention

There may be notable discussions surrounding privacy concerns and the adequacy of the measures for implementation. Advocates likely argue the necessity for enhanced communication means to protect vulnerable populations in law enforcement situations. Conversely, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the implications of having such medical information accessible to law enforcement and the potential for misuse of this data during police encounters. The balance between improving safety for certain individuals and maintaining individual privacy is central to the discourse surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

TX SB680

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

TX SB680

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.

TX HB1995

Relating to the notification of a peace officer through an indication associated with vehicle registration that the vehicle owner may be transporting a person with a disability.

TX HB2089

Relating to the notification of a peace officer through an indication associated with vehicle registration that the vehicle owner may be transporting a person with a disability.

TX HB257

Vehicle registration; allow persons to indicate communication impediments on application form for.

TX HB545

Vehicle registration; allow persons to indicate communication impediments on application form for.

TX SB2001

Relating to the registration of vehicles, the issuance of disabled parking placards, and certain benefits associated with that registration or issuance for certain peace officers with disabilities; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3175

Establishes a process in which persons registering a motor vehicle may apply for a designation indicating a health condition or disability that limits or impairs the ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement

TX HB3492

Establishes a process in which persons registering a motor vehicle may apply for a designation and license plate decals indicating a health condition or disability that limits or impairs the ability to effectively communicate with law enforcement

TX S3919

Permits person diagnosed with autism or communication disability to voluntarily make notation on driver's license, identification card, and in MVC registry; establishes program to train law enforcement officers in interactions with persons with autism or communication disabilities.

TX S03288

Provides for an applicant to voluntarily indicate that such applicant has a health condition or disability that may impede effective communication with a law enforcement officer when registering a motor vehicle, and that such information shall be provided to a law enforcement officer who makes a traffic stop of such vehicle.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.