CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 77(FIN) "An Act relating to training regarding disabilities for police officers, probation officers, parole officers, correctional officers, and village public safety officers; relating to guidelines for drivers when encountering or being stopped by a peace officer; relating to driver's license examinations; and relating to a voluntary disability designation on a state identification card and a driver's license." 9:39:38 AM REPRESENTATIVE STEVE THOMPSON, SPONSOR, discussed the legislation: When people with non-apparent disabilities interact with peace officers and corrections officers, elements of their disabilities often brush against officers' protocols and may result in serious misunderstanding or even tragedy. The goal of HB77 is to improve communications between law enforcement and corrections professionals who interact with people who have non- apparent disabilities, whether these disabled individuals encounter the "systems" as victims, witnesses, or alleged perpetrators. The first part of HB 77 focuses on training regarding interactions with people with non-apparent disabilities. The bill requires the implementation of a non-apparent disability awareness training component for Alaska peace officers, corrections officers and parole/probation officers. The Alaska Police Standards Council, has established a basic course at the academy level. The training instructs officers how to engage in appropriate interactions with individuals who experience a non-apparent disability. The course instructs officers and the guidelines will stress understanding of the different manner in which people with non-apparent disabilities process sensory stimuli and language. The bill also requires that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) add a section to the Passenger Vehicle Driver Handbook that instructs drivers as to their responsibilities when interacting with a peace officer. Basic instruction will be added to the driver's manual and one or more questions will be added to the written driver's license test. Awareness training for both police officers and the public will aid in increasing the safety of most encounters. Another component of HB 77 is to implement a statewide voluntary identification system where a discrete marker will be placed on an Alaska Driver's license or an Alaska ID card. The marker would indicate that the individual has a disability that may not be apparent. The police or corrections officer, having taken the disability awareness training, will be able to understand and more appropriately interact with the individual. If a person's disability is not recognized during an encounter, it may affect the outcome of that encounter. This bill would push to improve communication between peace officers, corrections officers and parole/probation officers when interacting with people who have non-apparent disabilities. The hope of this bill is to reduce the potential for tragic encounters in our state. 9:42:20 AM JANE PIERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE STEVE THOMPSON, discussed the sectional analysis (copy on file): Section 1. Amends AS 18.65.220 to include statutory language that expands the duties of the police standards council's training program to include training in recognizing and interacting with a person with disabilities, as well as familiarization with resources that are available to those with hidden disabilities. Section 2. Adds a new subsection to AS 18.65.310. Providing that a person may voluntarily designate on their state identification card that the person has a disability and the proof required for the designation. Section 3. Amends AS 18.65.670(c) to include disability training to village public safety officers. Section 4. Amends AS 28.05.011 by adding a new subsection to include the duties and responsibilities of drivers when encountering or being stopped by a peace officer be included in the driver's manual. Section 5. Amends AS 28.15.081(a) to include the duties and responsibilities of drivers when encountering or being stopped by a peace officer on the driver's test examination. Section 6. AS 28.15.111 is amended by adding a new subsection (d), providing that a person may voluntarily designate on their Alaska Driver's License a disability designation, proof required for the designation and fees that may be charged. Ms. Pearson remarked that Section 1 was in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II. 9:44:04 AM Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if the driver's license indicator would qualify the individual for something else, and whether they would be screened for additional benefits. Ms. Pierson answered in the negative, and clarified that an individual would be required to get a health care provider to receive the designation. It would not change any designation for any other type of services. Co-Chair MacKinnon surmised that the only issue was the work to receive the designation. Mr. Pierson agreed and restated that it was voluntary. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered whether the DMV would address the boundaries. Ms. Pierson replied that there was already a set process. Co-Chair MacKinnon remarked that there was some alleged issue of posing as police officers. Senator Olson wondered if there were other states that had similar implementation. Ms. Pierson was not sure. She had seen recent legislation that proposed to mark license plates. 9:49:19 AM ART DELAUNE, WALLBUSTERS/ACCESS ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the bill. Co-Chair MacKinnon CLOSED public testimony. Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if there would be sensitivity to training when adding to the manual. AMY ERICKSON, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), stated that the DMV had no problem putting a designation in the manual or license. Co-Chair MacKinnon asked if Ms. Erickson had checked with the Department of Law about integration. Co-Chair MacKinnon directed attention to a memo from LAW (copy on file). LT. CHAD GODEN, ALASKA STATE TROOPERS, SITKA (via teleconference), stated that he it would not be a problem to implement the program. HB 77 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.