HARRISBURG, PA – February 2, 2026 – Legislation that would allow Pennsylvanians to voluntarily add a communication impairment designation to their driver’s license, state-issued ID, and PennDOT electronic records received unanimous approval from the Senate Transportation Committee today.
Senate Bill 802, co-introduced by Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) and Senator Pat Stefano (R-Bedford), is designed to reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and improve safety for both law enforcement officers and individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, autistic, or have other communication impairments.
“Interactions with law enforcement can be stressful under the best circumstances,” said Boscola. “For individuals who face communication barriers, those encounters can quickly become confusing, overwhelming, or even dangerous. This legislation provides a simple, voluntary tool to help prevent those outcomes and save lives.”
The proposal allows individuals to request a neutral identifier on their license or ID, along with optional emergency contact information, to alert law enforcement of a potential communication impairment during a traffic stop. Participation is entirely voluntary, the designation may be removed at any time, and no specific medical diagnosis or details are disclosed on the license.
Safeguards in the legislation protect privacy by exempting records from public access under the Right-to-Know Law and include penalties for fraud or misuse. The bill also requires validation by qualified medical professionals and establishes clear procedures for denial, revocation, and appeal.
“This is a carefully drafted, commonsense measure,” Boscola said. “It balances public safety, individual privacy, and personal choice, while giving officers better information at the outset of an interaction.”
Pennsylvania currently lags behind much of the country on this issue. At least 32 states—including Maryland—have already implemented similar voluntary designations, often with broad bipartisan support. Previous versions of the legislation received backing from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Senate Bill 802 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
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