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Councilor highlights passage of "Keith's Law" expanding disability registry for first responders
Summary
Councilor Brian Dunlap reviewed House Bill 144 ("Keith's Law"), signed Oct. 20, 2025, which broadens a voluntary statewide registry to include individuals with a wider range of disabilities so participating county 911 systems can flag callers for first responders. Dunlap thanked colleagues for prior support and described the registry as improving 911 responses.
Councilor Brian Dunlap told the Feb. 2 work session that House Bill 144, known locally as "Keith's Law," will broaden a voluntary statewide registry to give participating county 911 systems information about individuals with disabilities, helping first responders adjust interactions during emergency calls.
"This important legislation known as Keith's law builds up communication disability law, enabling first responders to have information shared by individuals with disabilities responding to countywide 911 calls," Dunlap said, describing the law as the culmination of several years of local advocacy and testimony in Columbus.
Dunlap said the registry expands eligibility beyond communication disabilities: individuals diagnosed with other disabilities and parents or legal guardians of minors can submit a verification form (similar to applying for a placard) to enroll. That information becomes accessible in counties that opt into the system so dispatchers and responders receive notifications that someone they may encounter has a disability.
Dunlap said he and others had traveled to Columbus to testify and that passage of the bill was a significant victory for residents with communication and other disabilities.
No formal municipal action on the law was required at the work session; Dunlap framed his remarks as an informational update and a recognition of council’s past support for the initiative.
