SB 433: "Rio's Law"

Rio's Law adds a new option to Georgia's specialty license plate system. Starting January 1, 2027, a resident who has autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability, or that person's spouse, parent, legal guardian, or joint vehicle owner, can get a specially marked plate after submitting a signed statement from a doctor or licensed psychologist confirming the diagnosis. The plate must display the official 'Just Bee' symbol or something similar chosen by the state's motor vehicle commissioner. If the person dies or joint ownership ends, the plate must be swapped for a regular one, and the plate can be transferred to another vehicle under existing rules. The bill also makes it a misdemeanor to lie in order to get the plate, for a doctor to falsely certify someone for it, or to keep using it without being entitled to it. Separately, starting January 1, 2027, Georgia's basic peace officer training must cover how to recognize and communicate with people who have autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability, developed with input from state health agencies and nonprofit experts.

• Creates a new 'Autism Spectrum Disorder or Developmental Disability' license plate available starting January 1, 2027 to qualifying residents and their spouse, parent, legal guardian, or joint vehicle owner.
• Requires an affidavit from a licensed physician or psychologist confirming the diagnosis before the plate can be issued.
• Requires the plate to be canceled and replaced with a regular plate if the qualifying person dies or joint ownership of the vehicle ends.
• Makes it a misdemeanor to falsely claim eligibility for the plate, to falsely certify someone's eligibility, or to keep using the plate without authorization.
• Requires basic police training courses to include instruction on recognizing and communicating with people who have autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability, starting January 1, 2027.
• Directs the training council to build this curriculum with input from the Department of Community Health, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and nonprofit experts.

Georgians with autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability and their spouses, parents, legal guardians, or joint vehicle owners who apply for the new plate; doctors and psychologists who sign the required affidavits; the state motor vehicle commissioner's office; and police officers and cadets who will receive the new training.

Families of people with autism or developmental disabilities would get a visible way to signal that to police during a traffic stop or emergency, and new officers would be trained on how to respond, which could change how those encounters unfold on Georgia roads starting in 2027.

• Section 1 names the law 'Rio's Law.'
• Section 2 rewrites O.C.G.A. § 40-2-75 to create the new specialty plate, define who qualifies, require a medical or psychological affidavit, and set rules for transfer and cancellation of the plate.
• Section 2 also creates three new misdemeanors: false representation by an applicant, false certification by a practitioner, and unauthorized continued use of the plate.
• Section 3 adds O.C.G.A. § 35-8-28, requiring basic peace officer training to cover encounters with people who have autism spectrum disorder or a developmental disability, effective January 1, 2027.
• Section 3 lists specific required training topics, including recognizing behavioral symptoms, communication techniques, alternatives to physical restraint, and emergency caregiver contact protocols.
• Section 3 requires the training council to develop the curriculum in collaboration with two state health agencies and nonprofit organizations with relevant expertise.
• Section 4 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2026-05-06Effective Date 2026-07-01
2. 2026-05-06Act 423
3. 2026-05-06Senate Date Signed by Governor (Senate)
4. 2026-04-10Senate Sent to Governor (Senate)
5. 2026-03-25House Passed/Adopted (House)
6. 2026-03-25House Third Readers (House)
7. 2026-03-19House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
8. 2026-03-03House Second Readers (House)

• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)Primary sponsor
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Eddie Lumsden (R, HD-012)

1. PassedSenate voteFebruary 25, 2026

   54 yea, 0 nay (0 not voting, 1 absent)

   Passage By Substitute: Senate Vote #580

2. PassedHouse voteMarch 25, 2026

   169 yea, 0 nay (2 not voting, 5 absent)

   Passage: House Vote #757

• autism spectrum disorder
• license plates
• police training
• developmental disabilities
• Georgia motor vehicles