FL S0740

Create a voluntary identification card and placard system through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for individuals who are deaf, which they can present to law enforcement officers during stops.

Require law enforcement officers to seek qualified interpreter services before arresting or interrogating a deaf person suspected of criminal violations, except in emergencies when public safety is at risk.

Establish a secure database of deaf individuals by the Department of Law Enforcement using information from identification card applications, which law enforcement can access before detaining or arresting someone.

Prohibit family members from serving as qualified interpreters if the deaf person objects to their involvement.

Require each law enforcement agency to maintain at least one on-call officer trained in American Sign Language or contract with qualified interpreters, and require the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to establish training standards for officers interacting with deaf individuals.