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HF 2476

A bill for an act relating to driver’s licenses and nonoperator’s identification cards marked to reflect a holder’s nonapparent disability status.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jerome Amos and 12 co-sponsors

HF 2476 lets individuals with nonapparent disabilities request a marked driver’s license or ID (e.g., butterfly symbol) noting ASD or other disabilities on records.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 2669.
#disabilities #driving #healthandhumanservicesdepartment #identification #nonoperator'sidentificationcards #transportationdepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 2476

Summary of HF 2476 (Iowa, 2025-2026)

Purpose and Intent

HF 2476 aims to allow individuals with certain nonapparent disabilities—specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD), other mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, or other intellectual disabilities—to have their status reflected on their driver’s license or nonoperator’s (ID) card. The bill authorizes the license/ID holder to request a designation on the face of the license or card indicating the holder’s nonapparent disability status. The design includes an optional butterfly mark or an alternative method approved by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). The department would also raise awareness through educational materials about the option to request such a designation.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Eligibility for Marked Status (Driver’s License):

    • A licensee with a nonapparent disability (defined to include autism spectrum disorder, a mental disability, a developmental disability, or any other intellectual disability) may request that the license be marked to reflect ASD nonapparent disability status upon issuance or renewal.
    • The mark can be:
    • A butterfly design approved by the department, or
    • Any other marking method determined sufficient by the department.
    • The department may adopt rules establishing criteria for marking, including requiring medical proof of ASD/nonapparent disability status.
    • When marked, the license’s ASD nonapparent disability status must be noted in the department’s electronic system used for registration, titling, and license information, accessible to law enforcement.

  • Eligibility for Marked Status (Nonoperator’s Identification Card):

    • An applicant for an ID card who has ASD or a nonapparent disability may request that the ID card be marked to reflect the ASD nonapparent disability status.
    • The same marking options and criteria would apply as with driver’s licenses, subject to department rules.

  • Education and Awareness:

    • The Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, must develop educational media to raise awareness about the ability to request a marked license or ID card.

Affected Parties

  • Licensees and ID Cardholders: Individuals with ASD or other nonapparent disabilities who seek acknowledgment of their disability status on their license or ID card.
  • IDOT (Iowa Department of Transportation): Responsible for implementing the marking process, approving markings (e.g., butterfly symbol), maintaining the electronic notes in the license database, and issuing rules.
  • Department of Health and Human Services (Department involvement): Co-develops educational materials to inform the public about the marking option.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill would amend relevant sections of the Iowa Code (Chapter 321) to add the explicit right to request a marked license/ID card and to define the marking methodology.
  • The department may adopt implementing rules under Iowa Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 17A) to establish criteria for marking and required documentation.
  • Upon issuance or renewal, individuals may opt to have their license or ID card marked, and the status would be recorded in the state’s electronic systems used by the department and law enforcement.
  • The act envisions collaboration with health and human services for public education.

Practical Implications

  • Provides a visible, standardized way for individuals with ASD or nonapparent disabilities to signal accessibility considerations or support needs to law enforcement and others.
  • Introduces potential privacy considerations by exposing disability status on a public-facing license/ID. The bill places marking and data into a state electronic system accessible to law enforcement, which may influence ongoing privacy and data-use discussions.
  • Requires medical documentation to verify disability status, which creates a verification process and potential administrative burden for applicants.

Legislative Status (as of provided history)

  • Introduced and referred to Transportation (mid-February 2026).
  • Subcommittee and committee work in February 2026, with a committee report indicating amendment and passage.
  • Bill was renumbered as HF 2669 in committee reports (still related to the same content). Sponsors include a broad slate of legislators and multiple co-sponsors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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