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HB 679

MTR VEHICLE/DRIVER LIC: Provides for a special identification card designation for citizens with traumatic brain injury

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Ventrella

Your brain injury can be shown on your driver’s license or ID to aid awareness and safer interactions, supported by trained law enforcement.

Becomes HB 1244.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 679

Summary of HB 679 (2026, Louisiana)

Overview

HB 679 proposes to create a brain injury designation on Louisiana driver’s licenses (and on similar designation for special identification cards), allowing individuals with a diagnosed brain injury to display a dedicated designation. The bill also adds a public-safety training component for law enforcement on interacting with persons who have brain injuries and establishes related enforcement provisions and rulemaking.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a branded designation on driver’s licenses and special IDs for individuals diagnosed with a brain injury.
  • Ensure the designation is included at renewal or issuance upon verification by a qualified medical or mental health professional.
  • Improve awareness and handling by law enforcement when interacting with individuals who have brain injuries.
  • Provide for rulemaking and oversight to implement the designation and associated training.

Key Provisions

Driver’s License/ID Brain Injury Designation

  • A brain injury designation may be displayed on a driver’s license (R.S. 32:412) or on a related special identification card.
  • Eligibility/Process:
    • New applicants and license renewals can obtain the designation upon submission of a verification statement from a qualified medical or mental health professional licensed in Louisiana or another U.S. state/territory, confirming the applicant’s brain injury as defined by administrative rule.
    • The professional is authorized to diagnose brain injuries for the purpose of this designation.
    • No additional fee is charged to include the designation.
  • Penalties for false designation:
    • If an individual falsely claims a brain injury designation without a diagnosis, penalties include a fine of $100–$250, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
    • Subsequent offenses carry a fine of $250–$500, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

Law Enforcement Training

  • The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice (LCLECJ) must establish and implement a law enforcement training course focused on interactions with persons who have brain injuries.
  • Training content (minimum requirements) includes:
    • Indicators of brain injury.
    • Procedures for officers when encountering a person with a brain injury.
    • Demonstrations of communication and interaction techniques.
    • Explanations of potential unexpected actions by brain injury diagnosed individuals.
    • Resources available to assist officers in encounters.
    • Procedures to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when interacting with persons with brain injuries.
  • The course supplements existing training requirements (R.S. 40:2404.2(C)).

Rulemaking and Oversight

  • The deputy secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Public Safety Services, will promulgate rules necessary to implement the designation.
  • House and Senate committees on Transportation, Highways and Public Works will have oversight of the rulemaking process.

Miscellaneous

  • The designation is named “Riley’s Law” in the bill.
  • The option to donate $1 to the Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund is preserved for any license class.

Who Is Affected

  • Individuals applying for or renewing driver’s licenses or special IDs who have a diagnosed brain injury (upon verification).
  • Licensed medical/mental health professionals who diagnose brain injuries for the purposes of this designation.
  • Law enforcement agencies and officers who will receive new training on interacting with brain-injured individuals.
  • DPS&C (Public Safety Services) responsible for implementing the rulemaking and training requirements.
  • The public, who may interact with license-holders bearing the brain injury designation.

Timelines and Procedures

  • Verification and designation occur at issuance or renewal, contingent on presenting a qualified professional’s verification.
  • Training course development and implementation to be established by LCLECJ, with required rulemaking by the deputy secretary of DPS&C.
  • Oversight by Transportation committees for rule adoption.

Potential Impacts

  • Increases visibility and accommodation for individuals with brain injuries on official IDs.
  • Enhances public safety through standardized officer training and improved communication with brain-injured individuals.
  • Adds a regulatory framework and potential penalties for fraudulent acquisition of the designation.
  • Minor administrative impact and potential costs related to developing and delivering the training course and associated rulemaking.

Note: This summary reflects the substitute bill language reported in April 2026 and may be subject to amendments during the legislative process.

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

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