Boscola Bill to Improve Safety During Traffic Stops Passes State Senate

Boscola Bill to Improve Safety During Traffic Stops Passes State Senate

March 18, 2026

HARRISBURG, PA - March 18, 2026 - Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) announced today that the Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 802, bipartisan legislation she co-introduced with Senator Patrick Stefano (R- Fayette) to allow Pennsylvanians to voluntarily add a communication barrier designation to their driver's license, state identification card, and PennDOT electronic records.

The bill is intended to improve safety and reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and other interactions with law enforcement by giving individuals a way to alert first responders that they may have difficulty communicating.

"For someone who is deaf, hard of hearing, autistic, or has another communication barrier, even a routine traffic stop can quickly become confusing and overwhelming," Boscola said. "This bill gives Pennsylvanians a simple tool that can help prevent misunderstandings, improve communication, and make these interactions safer for everyone involved."

Under Senate Bill 802, individuals may request the designation on their physical driver's license or identification card and in PennDOT's electronic records. The bill also permits optional emergency contact information. The designation may be removed and does not disclose a person's specific medical condition.

Boscola said the legislation grew out of real constituent experiences where routine interactions with law enforcement became unnecessarily stressful or escalated because of communication difficulties.

"At its core, this legislation is about safety, clarity, and dignity," Boscola said. "It gives law enforcement better information at the outset of an encounter, and it gives individuals and families greater peace of mind."

The bill is the product of bipartisan collaboration. In prior legislative sessions, Boscola and Stefano had separately introduced legislation addressing the issue from different angles. By combining those efforts, they developed a more complete and practical solution.

"This is a commonsense public-safety measure and a good example of how bipartisan cooperation can produce thoughtful policy," Boscola said. "I'm proud to see the Senate move this bill forward."

Senate Bill 802 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.