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Proposed Bill Designed To Protect Ohioans With Disabilities

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Two lawmakers are proposing a voluntary registry for Ohioans with autism and communication impairments as an informational tool to help police who might encounter them.

Cleveland.com reports House Bill 115 was prompted by recent cases in Ohio where drivers with autism were mistakenly arrested for driving under the influence after failing field sobriety tests.

Rep. Scott Wiggam, a Wooster Republican who is co-sponsoring the bill, says lawmakers are trying to close the communication gap between police and participants in the initiative.

Individuals wishing to sign up for the registry would fill out a form online or at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles deputy registrar’s office. A physician would need to verify information on the form that would be noted on a person’s driver’s record or license plate.