Titles the act as “Rio’s Law.”
Amends GS 17C-6 and GS 17E-4 to also give the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission the power to establish minimum educational and training standards for employment and continuing education for criminal justice officers concerning: (1) recognizing and appropriately interacting with persons with autism spectrum disorder, and (2) recognizing the autism spectrum disorder special registration plate.
Amends GS 20-79.4 to allow for the issuance of the autism spectrum disorder designation license plate that can be issued to a person with autism spectrum disorder. Sets out verification requirements. Allows the Revisor of Statutes is authorized to alphabetize, number, and renumber the special registration plates listed.
Requires the Medical Care Commission (Commission) and the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS) to adopt rules requiring all emergency medical services personnel to receive certified autism and neurodiversity training to be credentialed under Article 7 (Regulation of Emergency Medical Services) of GS Chapter 131E. Requires by October 1, 2027, that the Commission and NCOEMS implement certified autism and neurodiversity training for all new credentialed emergency medical services personnel as a requirement for initial credentialing under NCAC Title 10A Subchapter 13P (NCAC). Requires that by October 1, 2028, completion of certified autism and neurodiversity training must be required for credential renewal for emergency medical services personnel. Allows contracting with any association that meets the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards, consistent with NCAC requirements.
Requires the State Fire and Rescue Commission, by October 1, 2027, to incorporate certified autism and neurodiversity training into the State Fire Education and Training Plan, the State Master Plan for Fire Prevention and Control, a Rescue Training Plan, and the State Master Plan for Rescue Services.

Statutes affected:
Filed: 17C-6, 17E-4, 20-79.4