Missouri residents could flag communication difficulties when registering vehicles

The Missouri Department of Revenue would accept applications for an alert linked to a vehicle's license plate number and available in the state's police information system. Missouri residents with a health condition or disability that limits communication with police could apply when registering a vehicle. A licensed physician or psychologist would need to certify that the applicant, child, parent, or spouse has a condition likely to impair communication with police for at least five years. The Department of Revenue would need to approve the application before the Missouri State Highway Patrol enters the alert. Alerts would stay active for five years unless the applicant requests removal. Renewal would require another signed certification that the impairment is expected to last at least five years.

The Missouri Department of Revenue would provide two optional license plate decals to applicants who qualify for the alert. The decals could signal a communication-limiting physical or mental health condition affecting the applicant, child, parent, or spouse. The decals would use a symbol recognizable to police and could not contain writing that identifies a specific health condition or disability. Displaying the decals would be optional.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety would give guidance and educational materials to every law enforcement agency in the state. The materials would promote awareness of the plate-linked alert for communication difficulties.