This bill, Substitute Bill No. 6719, concerns emergency services and individuals with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairments, and nonverbal learning disorders. It requires the Departments of Developmental Services, Children and Families, and Emergency Services and Public Protection to develop guidelines and best practices for municipalities to create and implement emergency services awareness programming for these individuals. The programming should include opportunities for them to observe and interact with emergency services personnel and vehicles, flashing lights and sirens, and mock traffic stops. The departments must publish the guidelines and best practices on their websites by January 1, 2024.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with other departments and advocacy organizations, to develop sensory kits for emergency services personnel who interact with individuals with these disorders. The kits should assist in managing emotions and anxiety and include items such as noise-canceling headphones, dark tinted glasses, and tactile objects. Municipalities that have implemented the awareness programming can apply to receive these sensory kits. The bill also requires the development of a form for parents and guardians to provide information about their child or adult with these disorders to assist emergency services personnel in their interactions. The form should include information such as the individual's name, contact person, communication skills, sensitivities, dislikes, and medical information. The form will be made available by municipal police departments and the information will be recorded in a searchable electronic database. Public safety answering points will conduct searches of the database when dispatching emergency services to residential addresses. The bill takes effect upon passage.