The proposed bill amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to introduce a communication impairment designation for individuals with conditions that may hinder communication with law enforcement during traffic stops. It establishes a process for individuals to apply for this designation, which includes submitting a sworn statement from a qualified medical professional, certifying the communication impairment, and providing emergency contact information. The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation validate these applications and update the individual's electronic records accordingly. It also specifies that no fees will be charged for adding or removing the designation, although standard fees for driver's license renewals or duplicates will still apply.
Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department regarding the use of a stylized identifier symbol to indicate communication impairment on driver's licenses and identification cards. It includes provisions for record sharing with law enforcement, ensuring that the information shared does not disclose specific medical conditions. The bill also establishes penalties for individuals who submit false information and for qualified medical professionals who misrepresent information on applications. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.