NEW LEXINGTON — On Oct. 20, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 144, also known as Keith’s Law, into law. The law went into effect on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Keith’s Law helps people with communication disabilities have safer and more positive interactions with first responders. It creates a voluntary, statewide database that allows individuals to share important information before an emergency happens.
During a 911 call or a traffic stop, this information is available to police, firefighters, and EMTs so they know about communication needs in advance. This helps reduce confusion and stress and helps responders approach situations safely and respectfully.
How the new system works:
People with communication disabilities or someone who regularly travels with them may choose to enroll in a secure database connected to the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS).
Once enrolled:
• County 911 systems can access the information when a call is made.
• First responders are notified that a person may have communication needs.
• Responders can use this information to support safer, calmer interactions.
Keith’s Law expands Ohio’s existing Communication Disability Law by ensuring this information is shared across all 88 counties and through all 911 systems statewide.
Enrollment is voluntary. People who have a diagnosed communication disability, or who regularly travel with someone who has one, are encouraged to enroll.
Communication disabilities may include difficulty speaking, processing information, or understanding spoken directions.
How is Keith’s Law different from the Blue Envelope Project?
Both Keith’s Law and the Blue Envelope Project support safer communication between people with disabilities and law enforcement. However, they work in different ways.
Keith’s Law (House Bill 144) is an automatic, statewide initiative that helps before first responders arrive.
• Digital system: Information is stored in LEADS and 911 databases.
• Used during traffic stops AND emergency responses:
Information can be shared automatically during 911 calls and dispatches.
Blue Envelope Project is a local, hands-on initiative that helps mainly during traffic stops.
• Physical envelope: Drivers place important documents in a blue envelope kept in their vehicle.
• The officer learns about communication needs only after the envelope is handed to them during the stop.
Why Keith’s Law matters:
Keith’s Law is named after Keith Jesse, a longtime advocate who has taught safety classes for many years to help people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions understand how to interact with first responders. Keith has shared with lawmakers that misunderstandings during emergencies can escalate quickly. By sharing communication information early, the law helps protect people before a crisis begins.
“Keith’s Law is an important step toward safer and more supportive interactions during emergencies,” said Caley Boyden, superintendent of the Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “When first responders have the information they need ahead of time, everyone benefits. This law helps reduce fear, prevent misunderstandings, and ensure that people with communication disabilities are met with understanding and respect. We are proud to support this initiative in Perry County.”
To enroll, complete the verification form through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD): https://dodd.ohio.gov/your-family/safety-security/keiths-law.
If you need assistance completing the form, contact Lindsey JagoFouts or your service coordinator at PCBDD.
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