Trumball News

State Representative Scott Wiggam (R-Wooster) introduced his first bill in the Ohio House this week, House Bill 115, which he is co-sponsoring with Rep. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green).

House Bill 115 proposes a voluntary program through the Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) aimed at facilitating effective communication between law enforcement and individuals with communication disabilities. Under this program, individuals may voluntarily submit a verification form, signed by their physician, to the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles to be designated as having a communication disability. This information would then be accessible to state and local law enforcement through the Law Enforcement Automated Data Systems (LEADS).

“House Bill 115 will establish Ohio as the first state in the nation to allow individuals with communication disabilities to confidentially provide this information to law enforcement officers without putting a physical designation on their license plates or state identification cards,” said Rep. Wiggam. “This voluntary, ‘no labels’ initiative has the ability to save time and money when encounters between law enforcement and individuals with communication disabilities occur. I look forward to working with my House colleagues as we usher House Bill 115 through the legislative process.”

The system would be available for individuals over eighteen years old, as well as minors enrolled by their parents or guardians.

House Bill 115 now awaits committee designation.