MS HB257

Requires vehicle registration applications to include a voluntary space for applicants to indicate a health condition or disability that impedes effective communication with law enforcement officers.

Authorizes the Department of Revenue to request medical verification of claimed communication impediments from licensed physicians, psychologists, mental health professionals, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, or school psychologists.

Mandates the Department of Revenue provide vehicle registration information of applicants with communication impediments to the Department of Public Safety, categorized as speech/language impairment, hearing impairment, or autism spectrum disorder.

Requires the Department of Public Safety to establish a system within the Mississippi Criminal Information Center to alert law enforcement officers during traffic stops that a vehicle operator may have a communication impediment.

Prohibits the Department of Public Safety from sharing communication impediment information with Mississippi Criminal Information Center users unless their contract explicitly prohibits further disclosure, and prohibits visible license plate markings that indicate communication impediments to the public.

Effective July 1, 2025.