86R11414 JXC-D
 
  By: Martinez H.B. No. 2644
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the notification of a peace officer through an
  indication associated with vehicle registration that a person has a
  health condition that may impede communication.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 502, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Section 502.061 to read as follows:
         Sec. 502.061.  REGISTRATION BY OWNER WITH CONDITION THAT
  IMPEDES COMMUNICATION. (a)  An application for registration must
  provide space for the applicant to voluntarily list any health
  condition that may impede communication with a peace officer as
  evidenced by:
               (1)  for a physical health condition, a written
  statement from a licensed physician; or
               (2)  for a mental health condition, a written statement
  from a licensed physician, a licensed psychologist, or a
  non-physician mental health professional, as defined by Section
  571.003, Health and Safety Code.
         (b)  The department shall provide to the Department of Public
  Safety the vehicle registration information of a person who
  voluntarily lists a health condition on an application under
  Subsection (a).
         (c)  The Department of Public Safety shall establish a system
  to include information received under Subsection (b) in the Texas
  Law Enforcement Telecommunications System for the purpose of
  alerting a peace officer who makes a traffic stop that the operator
  of the stopped vehicle may have a health condition that may impede
  communication.
         (d)  The department may not issue a license plate with a
  visible marking that indicates to the general public that a person
  voluntarily listed a health condition on an application under
  Subsection (a).
         (e)  Information supplied to the department relating to an
  applicant's health condition is for the confidential use of the
  department and the Department of Public Safety and may not be
  disclosed to any person.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.