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Senate committee advances 'Rio's Law' to create autism identifier plates and require officer training
Summary
The Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously advanced SB 433, "Rio's Law," which would create an optional specialty license plate to signal that a driver or passenger has autism and require autism and neurodiversity training in basic peace-officer instruction. Supporters say the measures will reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and other encounters.
Senate Bill 433, called "Rio's Law," moved out of the Senate Public Safety Committee on a unanimous voice vote after testimony from the bill sponsor, family members and advocates.
Senator Strickland, the bill's sponsor, told the committee the proposal creates an optional specialty license plate that a driver or a caregiver could obtain to signal to first responders that someone in the vehicle is autistic. The bill also requires that autism and developmental-disability training be added to basic peace-officer instruction, with details left to the state training council.
The bill's supporters described how those changes could change the dynamic of police and emergency responses. Connor Tomlinson, who identified himself to the committee and described his experiences as an autistic Georgian, said sensory overload can be misread as noncompliance or a threat and that better training would result in safer, calmer interactions. "This legislation will better inform and prepare our law enforcement in responding and interacting with individuals on the spectrum," Tomlinson said.
Leila Luna, founder and CEO of Just Be and mother of the bill's namesake, Rio, recounted multiple incidents in which her son became overwhelmed during routine encounters and law enforcement or the public responded without understanding autism's effects. Luna said South Carolina adopted a similar identifier plate and that plates would require medical verification to reduce misuse.
Law-enforcement witnesses and advocates told senators the plate could be a helpful cue during traffic stops and that adding a short online training component to existing de‑escalation instruction would be cost-effective. Tripp Richardson of Frontline Policy and representatives of local sheriff's offices expressed support, urging a balance of awareness and safeguards against misuse.
After committee questions about how the training would be delivered and how many hours would be mandated, Senator Williams moved "do pass," a second was recorded and the committee approved the bill unanimously. The measure will move next to the rules committee for further consideration.
The committee recorded no opposition testimony in the hearing portion and senators emphasized the voluntary nature of the license plate and the bill's focus on safety and improved communication between first responders and the neurodiverse community.
