A new law seeks to make traffic stops safer with Arizona drivers who have communication disabilities. Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill this week allowing people to voluntarily share that information with police through their vehicle registration or ID.
House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby says the bill originated from an Arizona family looking to protect their son. They wanted to make interactions between police and people with communication disabilities less stressful.
“They thought how better to let the officers know, and (for) the individuals in the car to have peace of mind, that when pulled over, there’s somebody in the driver (seat) or in the car that needs communication accommodations," she said.
State lawmakers said they looked at other states that’ve implemented a flagging system, but they didn’t find one that was optimal. Willoughby says the key was making it private and optional.
“Some individuals don’t want to be what they feel may be singled out or targeted by this information," she said. "So it gives everybody a peace of mind that this is something I’ve chosen for myself or my family.”
The Arizona Police Chiefs Association, ADOT and Gilbert police also helped shape the policy. It goes into effect 90 days after the legislative session ends.
