The General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 6719 is an act concerning emergency services and individuals with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairments, and nonverbal learning disorders. The bill mandates that by December 31, 2023, the Departments of Developmental Services, Children and Families, and Emergency Services and Public Protection must jointly develop guidelines and best practices for municipalities to create and implement emergency services awareness programs for individuals with the aforementioned conditions. These programs should include opportunities for individuals to familiarize themselves with emergency personnel, vehicles, and equipment in a sensory-appropriate setting. Additionally, by January 1, 2024, these departments are required to publish the developed guidelines and best practices on their websites.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to develop sensory kits by January 1, 2024, to assist emergency personnel when interacting with individuals with autism, cognitive impairments, or nonverbal learning disorders. Municipalities that have implemented the awareness programs can apply to receive these sensory kits by September 1, 2025. The bill also stipulates the creation of a form to be distributed by police departments to collect information that may aid emergency services personnel during interactions with such individuals. This form should be available on the department's website by January 1, 2024, and in police departments by January 15, 2024. Parents and guardians can complete and return this form to their local police department, which will then enter the information into a searchable database for use by police officers and emergency dispatchers. The act is effective from passage and amends the sections as new insertions.