An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver's license.
Summary
HB517 would amend Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code to allow a person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to request that the diagnosis be noted on their driver’s license or state identification card. To do so, the applicant would need to provide a sworn statement from a qualified medical professional licensed in Pennsylvania verifying the diagnosis. The bill also allows a parent or guardian to make the request for an individual under 18 or under guardianship, provided the same documentation requirements are met.
The notation would be placed on the license or ID card under existing provisions governing the issuance and content of identification documents, and the applicant would be deemed to consent to the department making the diagnosis public on the card. The Department of Transportation would be required to adopt regulations to administer the new program, and the act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Impact
HB517 would create a new optional autism spectrum disorder designation within Title 75’s driver’s license and identification card provisions. It would add a new subsection to section 1510, requiring PennDOT to establish procedures and regulations for verifying diagnoses and issuing cards with the notation. The bill would affect individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their parents or guardians, licensed medical professionals who provide verification, and the department responsible for issuing licenses and IDs.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a supportive, accommodation-oriented proposal rather than a controversial regulatory change. Its sponsors suggest interest in helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder identify themselves through official identification, likely for safety or communication purposes. Because no transcripts or vote history are available, there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction and referral.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is privacy and consent, since the bill requires the applicant to agree to make the diagnosis public on the driver’s license or identification card. Some may also question whether placing a medical diagnosis on an ID card could create stigma, misuse, or unwanted disclosure, while supporters may view it as a useful tool for law enforcement, emergency responders, or service providers. Another issue is the administrative burden on PennDOT to create regulations and implement the designation process.
In licensing of drivers, further providing for application for driver's license or learner's permit; and, in fees, further providing for certified copies of records.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for learners' permits, for application for driver's license or learner's permit, for application for driver's license or learner's permit by minor and for issuance and content of driver's license; and, in fees, further providing for driver's license and learner's permit.
In registration of vehicles, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration; and, in licensing of drivers, further providing for persons exempt from licensing.