BILL NUMBER: S5490
SPONSOR: ASHBY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to allowing
persons in recovery to have a distinguishing mark printed on their driv-
er's license for cases of medical emergencies
 
PURPOSE:
To provide an optional mechanism for medical emergencies, whereby a
person could be identified as a person in some form of drug or alcohol
recovery on their licenses.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 would amend section 504 of the vehicle and traffic law by
adding paragraph(a-2), which would allow a person the option to add a
distinguishing mark on their licenses to identify as a person in recov-
ery. The distinguishing mark would be a simple "R" for Recovery, similar
to the "Veteran" that a Veteran may choose to put on their license.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
People in recovery work extremely hard to stay on the path of recovery;
however, life throws curveballs and medical emergencies happen, whether
car accidents, sports injuries, or something else. When someone in
recovery is rushed to the hospital, the last thing they want is to be
put on pain medicines that are difficult to wean off. If medical profes-
sionals can see on the patient's license that a person is in recovery,
they may be able to change the course of medicine administered or have a
plan in place. This legislation will embolden those individuals who
desire to take control of their medical future and be better prepared
for potential medical emergencies, by allowing them to simply check a
box on a form to have their license display an obscure "R" for recovery.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24 - S.7613 - referred to Transportation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5490: 504 vehicle and traffic law, 504(1) vehicle and traffic law