Let us ensure our loved ones are understood rather than feared during encounters with law enforcement officers on our roads. Let us make sure no more lives are lost due to miscommunication stemming from a lack of understanding about different forms of communication-related disabilities.

I am taking this to the 89th Texas Legislative Session in January 2025. 

Currently, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) do not have a system in place within their Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) to specify an individual's communication disability. It merely states "Communication Impediment"...we need to list subcategories such as Autism or Deaf, there is a major difference in how law enforcement will respond!  This omission can lead to misunderstandings that have serious consequences. It will take a law passed to implement these subcategories! That is what this petition is for....legislators to see how important this small change in the TLETS IT system would be for drivers who choose to disclose.

According to the Ruderman Family Foundation, up to half of all people killed by police have some form of disability. A significant portion of these tragic incidents can be attributed directly or indirectly to communication issues arising from disabilities such as Autism, Parkinson's Disease or hearing loss.

Texas Law Enforcement wants this addition to better equip them with understanding the persons challenges, those opting to disclose want this to avoid miscommunication or potential fatal scenarios, there is low to no cost in updating the system, it's a win-win, especially for those afraid of misunderstandings with law enforcement.   

Let us ensure our loved ones are understood rather than feared during encounters with law enforcement officers on our roads. Let us make sure no more lives are lost due to miscommunication stemming from a lack of understanding about different forms of communication related to disabilities.
We need over 10,000 signatures for effective change! Please share!
Please sign and share this petition to pass a law allowing the Texas DMV and DPS to specify a specific communication disability in the TLETS (the computer they access when pulling a person over in a traffic stop) – because everyone deserves respect, understanding and safety on our roads.

Thank you for your signature and support! - Jennifer Allen