VA SB 547

Title: Law-enforcement training; communication with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Author: Lamont Bagby

Summary
Law-enforcement training; individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to establish compulsory minimum and in-service training standards for law-enforcement officers on communicating with individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability, such as autism spectrum disorder, which shall include (i) an overview and behavioral recognition of autism spectrum disorder, (ii) best practices for crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques, (iii) an objective review of any relevant tools and technology available to assist in communication, and (iv) education on law-enforcement agency and community resources for the autism community on future crisis prevention. The bill requires that such training standards be established in consultation with at least one individual with autism spectrum disorder, one family member of an individual with autism spectrum disorder, one specialist who works with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, one representative from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and one representative from a state or local law-enforcement agency. The bill requires the Department to establish such training standards by January 1, 2027, and requires any person employed as a law-enforcement officer prior to July 1, 2024, to complete the compulsory in-service training by July 1, 2028.

Status
Governor: Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 8, 2024

Bill Documents
VA SB 547 - Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24104504D
2024-01-10 - VA SB 547 (Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24104504D)

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VA SB 547 - Senate amendments
2024-01-10 - VA SB 547 (Senate amendments)

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VA SB 547 - Senate committee, floor amendments and substitutes offered
2024-01-10 - VA SB 547 (Senate committee, floor amendments and substitutes offered)

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VA SB 547 - Printed as engrossed 24104504D-E
2024-01-10 - VA SB 547 (Printed as engrossed 24104504D-E)

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VA SB 547 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB547ER)
2024-01-10 - VA SB 547 (Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB547ER))

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