(50 ILCS 705/10.26)

Sec. 10.26. Training; autism-informed response training course.

(a) The Board shall develop or approve a course to assist law enforcement officers in identifying and appropriately responding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

(b) The Board shall conduct or approve the autism-informed response training course no later than January 1, 2027 (2 years after the effective date of Public Act 103-949). The Board may consult with the Department of Public Health or Department of Human Services to develop and update the curriculum as needed. The course must include instruction in autism-informed responses, procedures, and techniques, which may include, but are not limited to:

(1) recognizing the signs and symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder;

(2) responding to the needs of a victim with an autism spectrum disorder;

(3) interview and interrogation techniques for an individual with an autism spectrum disorder; and

(4) techniques for differentiating an individual with an autism spectrum disorder from a person who is being belligerent and uncooperative.

The Board must, within a reasonable amount of time, update this course, from time to time, to conform with national trends and best practices.

(c) The Board is encouraged to adopt model policies to assist law enforcement agencies in appropriately responding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

(Source: P.A. 103-949, eff. 1-1-25; 104-417, eff. 8-15-25.)