Keith’s Law: Giving Ohioans with disabilities a head start in emergencies

MANSFIELD — Troy Smith understands the need for communication, especially for people whose disabilities make that harder.

That’s why Smith, manager of community education at Richland Newhope, is a big believer in the new Keith’s Law.

The state law, which goes into effect Monday, Jan. 19, aims to make emergency situations safer and less stressful for people with communication disabilities — starting before first responders even arrive.

House Bill 144, known as “Keith’s Law,” strengthens communication, awareness and safety during encounters between first responders and individuals with communication disabilities.

A proactive step for safety

Keith’s Law allows individuals with communication disabilities — and those who regularly transport them — to fill out information into the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) and county 9-1-1 systems.

This information becomes immediately available to law enforcement officers and emergency responders, offering context before traffic stops, emergency calls or other encounters.

Smith said the law focuses on improving understanding during high-pressure situations, when miscommunication can quickly escalate.

This is done by providing advanced awareness, the legislation reduces misunderstandings and supports safer, more effective responses from police, firefighters and EMTs, advocates for the law said.

Smith said the legislation is similar to the Blue Envelope Program, used by law enforcement agencies in Mansfield and around Richland County. He said the main difference is Blue Envelope operates only in certain counties and does not cover the entire state.

“Keith’s Law is different in that it guarantees you can travel statewide and your information is available,” Smith said.

“The significance of Keith’s Law cannot be overstated. The legislation will greatly benefit individuals with developmental disabilities while also providing peace of mind to family members, guardians and providers.

“We do what we can to help those we serve.”

He said Keith’s Law helps ensure safer interactions and reinforces the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities and those who support them.

A press release from Richland Newhope states advocates believe the law reflects a growing recognition of how communication disabilities affect how individuals respond under stress — and awareness is key for safe interactions.

What does Keith’s Law require?

According to House Bill 144, the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities agency must develop a standard verification form individuals (or a parent/guardian) can submit to the Department of Public Safety to enter someone into the database.

The form must include:

• Person’s name and contact information (including residential address and phone number)
• Name and relationship of the person completing the form (if not the individual)
• Driver’s license or state ID number and vehicle license plate number(s) of vehicles regularly used by the person
• Certification of the diagnosis signed by a qualified professional (physician, psychologist, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse practitioner)
• Professional certifier’s business info and license number
• Signature of the individual or their representative
• A place to indicate a desire of removal from the database

Smith said the form will be available online and can be submitted three ways: scan and email it, mail it through the Ohio BMV or submit it to the deputy’s office.

Helping first responders

Michele Miller, a Mansfield resident, states this law means a huge deal to her family.

Henry and Olivia were born 13 weeks early. Henry spent 67 days in the Akron Children’s Hospital NICU, while Olivia remained there for 104 days — ultimately recovering.

When Henry was born, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke causing bleeding on the brain. Despite the severity, he was able to come home earlier than expected. At 18 months, Miller began noticing something wasn’t right — Henry was pocketing food in his mouth instead of swallowing.

He was initially diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech. At age 5, Henry experienced his first seizure, followed by a second two months later. After an MRI, doctors changed his diagnosis to Traumatic Brain Injury.

The injury affects the area of Henry’s brain responsible for speech and oral motor function — the part telling the muscles of the mouth how to form words and swallow food — as well as the area helping coordinate eye movement from left to right.

Despite these challenges, Henry is a social butterfly, Miller said. While that openness is one of his greatest strengths, it also fuels her biggest fear.

“My fear is that he could be in an emergency and not be able to express he’s hurt,” she said. “To first responders, he could seem manic.”

Henry’s speech is a toddler level, but his comprehension is an everyday 12-year-old. In stressful situations, Miller worries others might misinterpret his arm flapping or excited behavior.

“Cops could take it the wrong way, and something tragic could happen to my child,” she said. “This law should end that. First responders will know how to connect with Henry through this.”

Keith’s Law and the backstory

The bill takes its name from Keith Jesse, a longtime advocate from northwest Ohio who told lawmakers the legislation is about protecting people long before a crisis begins.

Jesse has spent more than a decade teaching safety classes for people with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions, helping them understand how to interact with police, firefighters and EMTs.

Over time, he earned trust within those communities and saw firsthand how quickly misunderstandings can escalate during emergencies.

Keith’s Law, he said, gives families the chance to share that information ahead of time in a clear and calm way.

“It give families a chance to provide information that may be critical during a crisis without having to do so under the stress of an emergency,” Jesse said.

Jesse also emphasized how common these encounters are. A significant share of emergency calls involve individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions, yet first responders often arrive with little context about what they may face.

“This will prevent the accidental use of force by law enforcement and help medical personnel know the vital background of their patient or the fire department to know where a resident may be located,” Jesse said.

Ultimately, Jesse told lawmakers the goal is simple: fewer misunderstandings, safer outcomes and stronger trust between first responders and the communities they serve.

“It’s about building safer, more informed communities across Ohio and strengthening our relationships with first responders.”