Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 517: Driver communication improvement program; expands program, drivers with autism spectrum disorder.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 517 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Driver communication improvement program; expands program, drivers with autism spectrum disorder. Primary sponsor: Marty Martinez (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Transportation.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Department of Motor Vehicles; driver communication improvement program. Expands the driver communication improvement plan for the promotion, printing, and distribution of envelopes for use by drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to allow use by drivers with a disability that can impair communication, which, as defined by current law, includes persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The bill requires the Department of Motor vehicles to (i) meet certain specifications for such envelopes, (ii) provide such envelopes on request without requiring a person to identify or provide proof of a disability, and (iii) notify certain persons of the program and provide instructions for requesting such envelopes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marty Martinez | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 29 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Transportation
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (8-Y 0-N)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB517)
- Assigned HTRAN sub: Department of Motor Vehicles
- Referred to Committee on Transportation
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102276D