Senate committee approves 'Rio’s Law' for autism identifier plate and mandatory training

The Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee on Thursday approved SB433, known as Rio’s Law, a bill that would create a voluntary specialty license plate to identify drivers or passengers with autism and require autism-focused training for peace officers.

Sponsor Sen. Brian Strickland told the committee the optional plate—modeled on a recent South Carolina measure—would alert first responders that someone in a vehicle “may see the world through a different lens,” and that the bill also establishes mandatory training under the state training council so officers have tools to interact with people on the autism spectrum.

Supporters framed the bill as a practical safety measure. Connor Tomlinson, who identified himself as autistic and an advocate, told senators, “Rio's Law ensures safe encounters, better outcomes, and stronger trust between the autism community and professionals that are sworn to protect.” Leila Luna, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Just Be and mother of the teen named in the bill, described episodes of sensory overload and a traffic stop in which flashing lights worsened her son's distress; she said a plate and officer training could allow first responders to reduce lights and sirens and approach calmly.

Law-enforcement witnesses said the plate would give officers immediate, useful information during stops. A representative of the Georgia Sheriffs Association and a Paulding County official urged integrating the training into existing de-escalation and online in-service modules to reach officers statewide efficiently.

The committee discussed implementation details—how the training would be delivered and whether it should be part of basic academy curriculum—but the sponsor said the bill sets required content while leaving delivery to subject-matter experts and the training council. After public testimony and brief committee discussion, Sen. Williams moved to pass the bill and Sen. Jackson seconded; the chair announced the bill passed unanimously on a voice vote.

The bill now advances toward the Senate rules committee.