My son, an Autistic student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), was thrown against a wall and handcuffed by a police officer assigned to his school. This happened when he was denied the necessary break stipulated in his IEP during math class. He became dysregulated due to the stressor and needed to escape/ decompress. Now, my son is facing one felony assault charge ( escalated to an adult crime because he is 14) and four misdemeanors, despite not hurting or threatening anyone.

This personal story highlights a broader issue of lack of accountability between schools and contracted police officers on campuses across our nation. Currently, when schools or districts assign police officers to their campuses, they are not liable for the actions these officers may take. There is no obligation for these officers to familiarize themselves with students on campus or understand the needs of disabled students.

This lack of transparency has contributed significantly to what's known as the 'school-to-prison pipeline'. According to ACLU data, students with disabilities are three times more likely than students without disabilities to be referred to law enforcement (ACLU 2016). Moreover, research shows that increased presence of school resource officers does not necessarily improve school safety but rather increases disciplinary actions against students (Justice Quarterly 2019).

We need legislation that mandates transparency between schools and their contracted police officers. This bill should hold both parties accountable for their actions while ensuring they understand the unique needs of all students on campus.

Please sign this petition if you believe in creating safer educational environments where all children can thrive without fear.

Proposed Bill: 

Autism Inclusion and Safe Response in Schools Act (AISRS Act)

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Bill Summary:

This bill ensures that Colorado public schools formally integrate School Resource Officers (SROs) into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and establishes communication protocols with law enforcement to prevent misinterpretation of behaviors associated with autism during school or community-based incidents. The bill aims to promote safe, informed, and respectful interactions between autistic individuals and public safety personnel.

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Draft Framework – Colorado State Bill

Section 1: Legislative Intent

The General Assembly finds and declares that:
 • Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may display behaviors during periods of sensory overload or emotional distress that are often misunderstood by law enforcement.
 • Misunderstanding of these behaviors by School Resource Officers (SROs) or police can result in trauma, injury, or unnecessary escalation.
 • Schools and law enforcement agencies share responsibility for creating inclusive, informed environments where the safety and rights of neurodivergent students are protected.
 • This Act seeks to integrate law enforcement awareness with special education planning to ensure safe and supportive educational settings.

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Section 2: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:
 • “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)” means a developmental disorder defined by diagnostic criteria established by the DSM-5.
 • “School Resource Officer (SRO)” means a law enforcement officer assigned to a school campus.
 • “Individualized Education Program (IEP)” refers to a written education plan developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
 • “Neurodivergent” refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is considered typical or neurotypical.

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Section 3: IEP Integration Requirement
 • All public schools in Colorado shall ensure that:
 • A designated School Resource Officer is invited to attend IEP meetings for any student diagnosed with ASD if the student’s IEP team or parent/guardian determines there is potential for law enforcement interaction at school.
 • The student’s IEP includes a “Law Enforcement Interaction Plan” (LEIP) outlining:
 • Triggers and de-escalation strategies
 • Communication preferences (verbal, nonverbal, AAC devices)
 • Known signs of distress or meltdown
 • Contacts for parent/guardian or behavioral support personnel

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Section 4: Training and Awareness
 • Law enforcement officers assigned to schools shall complete annual training on:
 • Autism awareness and response strategies
 • De-escalation techniques for neurodivergent individuals
 • Cultural and disability bias mitigation

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Section 5: Voluntary Notification and Privacy
 • A system shall be created allowing parents/guardians of children diagnosed with ASD to voluntarily opt in to have:
 • Their child flagged in emergency responder systems for awareness (e.g., in 911 dispatch notes or CAD systems)
 • This information shall be:
 • Used only in emergencies
 • Protected by state and federal privacy laws (FERPA, HIPAA)
 • Accessible solely by authorized personnel during active incident response

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Section 6: Funding and Implementation
 • The Colorado Department of Education, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety, shall:
 • Develop model templates for Law Enforcement Interaction Plans (LEIPs)
 • Provide guidance and grants to assist districts with compliance
 • Establish reporting mechanisms for complaints or incidents involving SRO/student interactions

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Policy Considerations
 • Parental consent is critical. This legislation should be opt-in for any law enforcement notification systems to protect privacy and trust.
 • Training must be standardized and culturally competent. Ensure that the training includes lived-experience perspectives, not just clinical theory.
 • Data protections need to be airtight. There will be pushback unless this bill clearly outlines strong data protections and limits on use.
 • Include autism advocacy groups early. Groups like Autism Society of Colorado, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, or parent advisory groups can bolster support.