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SB 2524

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Loan Repayment Program; create.

2025 Regular Session

Allows Illinois drivers to have autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability noted on their license if they submit confidential documentation.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2524

SB 2524 — Summary (Introduced 2025)

Title: Board Certified Behavior Analyst Loan Repayment Program; create.
Primary sponsor: Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford
Status: Died in committee (2025)

Note: Although the bill title in some records references a loan‑repayment program, the text of SB 2524 as introduced amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to allow optional identification of autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability on Illinois driver's licenses. This summary describes the provisions contained in the introduced Vehicle Code text.

Purpose

To permit an individual applying for an Illinois driver’s license to submit documentation of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability so that the condition may be indicated on the person’s driver’s license, while treating the supporting documentation as confidential. The bill also defines “autism spectrum disorder” and “intellectual disability” for the Code.

Key provisions

  • Adds two definitions to the Illinois Vehicle Code:
    • Section 1-104.7 — “Autism spectrum disorder”: as defined by the most recent (or at time of diagnosis) edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
    • Section 1-131.7 — “Intellectual disability”: defined by onset before the age of 18, significantly subaverage intellectual functioning (measured by standardized tests) and significant limitations in adaptive behavior (conceptual, social, practical).
  • Amends Section 6-104 (Driver — Special Restrictions) to require the Secretary of State to indicate on a person’s driver’s license that the person has an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder if the applicant submits the documentation described in the added Section 6-106(b-2).
  • Provides that any documentation submitted to support the indication of ASD or intellectual disability is confidential.
  • Amends related sections of the Vehicle Code (6-106, 6-110, 6-110.2) to accommodate these changes (text attachments in the introduced bill).

Who is affected

  • Individuals applying for or renewing Illinois driver’s licenses who wish to have ASD or intellectual disability indicated on the license (this is permissive — requires the applicant to submit documentation).
  • The Illinois Secretary of State’s office (administration, database/ID design, and staff training).
  • First responders, law enforcement, and others who may use license information in interactions with the license holder.
  • Potentially employers, service providers, or others who may see license indicators, raising privacy and anti‑discrimination considerations.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced in the 104th General Assembly by Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford (bill text shows February/March 2025 activity).
  • Legislative status recorded as “Died In Committee” (2025).
  • Companion bill: HB 5241.

Potential implementation considerations

  • Administrative changes needed for forms, database flags, and physical license design.
  • Policies and safeguards to protect confidentiality of submitted medical/diagnostic documentation.
  • Training for clerk and enforcement personnel on appropriate use of license indicators to avoid stigmatization or improper disclosure.
  • Legal and civil‑rights issues (privacy, discrimination, and accessibility) that may warrant accompanying guidance or statutory protections.

If you want, I can: (1) produce a redline showing exactly where the Vehicle Code text would change, (2) draft model confidentiality procedures for the Secretary of State, or (3) compare this bill to similar laws in other states.

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

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