PHX Reporter

The Arizona House of Representatives has approved HB2330, a bill sponsored by House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby. The legislation aims to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities by allowing them to disclose their communication needs voluntarily.

HB2330 mandates the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to enable individuals with a driver's license or state ID to indicate if they require communication accommodations. Vehicle owners can also request a notation in the registration record for frequent occupants with communication challenges. This information will be securely accessible only to law enforcement officers through their computer-aided dispatch system.

"This bill is meant to ensure law enforcement has the tools to communicate effectively and appropriately with individuals who may be deaf, hard of hearing, neurodivergent, or have other communication needs," said Representative Willoughby. "I’ve personally met with members of the deaf and hard of hearing community who are thrilled about this step forward. This is an opt-in system that empowers individuals to provide important information that could prevent misunderstandings and de-escalate potentially stressful situations."

The bill supports the House Republican Majority's focus on public safety and individual rights by providing critical information for safer policing while respecting privacy. Under current laws, ADOT allows certain medical conditions on driver’s licenses but does not retain those records unless requested. HB2330 expands this framework by making communication accommodation data available to law enforcement under strict privacy controls.

Following its passage in the House, HB2330 will now move to the Senate for further deliberation.

Julie Willoughby represents Legislative District 13 in Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives and serves as the House Majority Whip.

Information from this article can be found here.