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Committee advances bill to add speech disorders to Precious Cargo Act registry
Summary
Senate Bill 16 35, sponsored by Leader Act Barry, would amend the 2021 Precious Cargo Act to include speech, language and fluency disorders (such as stuttering) as qualifying conditions for a registry alert for first responders; the committee passed the bill to calendar by an 8–0 vote.
Leader Act Barry told the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee that Senate Bill 16 35 would amend the 2021 Precious Cargo Act to add speech, language and fluency disorders — including stuttering — to the list of qualifying medical conditions that can be recorded to alert first responders during traffic stops or other encounters.
According to Leader Act Barry, the change would help officers recognize communication challenges and "allow additional response time" so an officer does not mistake slowed responses for intoxication or unresponsiveness. He said applicants would need a physician’s note with a detailed statement documenting the qualifying condition and that the Office of Revenue (which administers vehicle title and registration) and the Department of Safety had been consulted as the office developed the proposal.
After a brief opportunity for questions, the clerk called the roll on SB 16 35. Senators Bailey, Briggs, Campbell, Hatcher, Pote, Powers, Seale and Chairlady Massey each voted "Aye." Chairlady Massey declared the bill passed and sent to the calendar.
The committee record shows no amendments were offered during the presentation and the committee did not attach conditions on the bill during this hearing.
