The Ohio Senate unanimously passed House Bill 144 on Sept. 30, 2025, expanding the state2s voluntary communication-disability database and authorizing county 9-1-1 systems to access the information.

Senator Gavarone, who spoke in support, said the program began with previous legislation (House Bill 115) that created a voluntary registry accessible by law enforcement through the LEADS system for people with communication disabilities. She described a constituent case involving a mother, Jenny Hughes, and her autistic sons to illustrate how having registry information available during traffic stops or emergency responses can reduce the risk of misinterpretation and escalation. Gavarone said HB 144 extends access to firefighters and EMS through county 9-1-1 systems, adds additional specified disabilities (including visual impairments, serious emotional disturbance and orthopedic impairments), and modifies registration forms to improve accessibility.

Senator Weinstein also voiced support on the floor, calling the bill "a very useful and valuable tool" and noting the legislation had unanimous committee support. The clerk announced the final vote as 32 yeas and 0 nays; the journal entry titled the bill and recorded passage.

Nut graf: The measure expands an existing, voluntary program that aims to give first responders early, private notice that a person they are interacting with may have a communication disability, enabling responders to adapt their approach.

Ending: The bill was titled "Keith Law" in the journal; the transcript does not detail implementation timelines beyond committee and floor actions, but the text assigns duties for verification forms and registry procedures to state agencies referenced in the bill.