I will soon introduce legislation to create a new special license plate designated for individuals with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder.
 
The idea for this legislation was conceived after numerous insightful conversations with a local law enforcement official in Northeast Philadelphia. He is currently raising a young foster child with sensitivity to lights and sirens due to an autism spectrum disorder. Worried the sensitivity may result in adverse interactions with law enforcement in the future, he emphasized the urgent need for new policy to assist officers when engaging with individuals who have sensory processing challenges.
 
To that end, my simple, yet effective, proposal would help law enforcement and first responders identify vehicles likely occupied by individuals with an autism spectrum disorder before ever approaching the vehicle. The license plate would prominently display the text “Autistic/Neurodivergent” and be available to vehicle owners with autism or those who regularly transport an individual with autism.
 
In conjunction with proper training and education, this special designation plate would help mitigate negative interactions, increase safety, and improve communication between first responders and the autism and neurodivergent communities.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to make Pennsylvania just the second state in the nation to offer residents this life-saving plate.