New Law Expands Protections For Tennesseans Who Stutter
Apr 15, 2026

NASHVILLE - Drivers who stutter or have other communication disorders will soon have expanded protection during traffic stops and welfare checks under a new law signed by the governor.

Senate Bill 1635 allows drivers who have a communication or fluency disorder — such as stuttering — to privately register their information on a statewide database that notifies police and first responders about a driver’s medical condition that could impair communications. The legislation expands the 2021 Precious Cargo Act, which allows individuals with a disability to obtain a medical condition designation in the Tennessee Vehicle Title and Registration System database that police and first responders can see before an interaction takes place.

The bill was sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, and Assistant House Minority Leader Rep. Harold Love, Jr., D-Nashville. It passed the Tennessee Senate on Feb. 19 and the Tennessee House on March 16.

Former NBA player and stuttering advocate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, whose advocacy helped advance the bill, celebrated the bill being signed into law.

"I have been using my voice to speak up for others like myself who stutter and have a speech impediment. I am proud to have worked on this legislation alongside Sen. Akbari and Rep. Love to help move it forward,” said Kidd-Gilchrist. “It may be insignificant to some, but this change can make a difference in ways that we don't realize by being proactive in real-life situations. We know that not every interaction with law enforcement allows space for understanding and communication differences can sometimes be misinterpreted. This legislation is about being proactive, creating awareness and helping prevent situations from escalating simply because someone communicates differently."

Beyond his athletic career, Kidd-Gilchrist is a leading advocate for the stuttering community. In 2021, he founded Change & Impact, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to improving healthcare access and expanding resources for individuals who stutter.

"This law is a meaningful step toward ensuring that every Tennessean can interact safely with law enforcement, no matter how they communicate," said Sen. Akbari. "For someone who stutters, a routine traffic stop can become a frightening encounter if an officer doesn't understand why they're struggling to speak. The Precious Cargo Act was built to address exactly these situations — and this clarification makes sure no one who needs it is left out."

"Every Tennessean deserves to feel safe during an encounter with law enforcement, and that includes Tennesseans who communicate differently," said Rep. Love. "By explicitly including communication disorders like stuttering under the Precious Cargo Act, we're giving people a simple, proactive tool to help first responders understand their needs before a misunderstanding can escalate. I'm proud this legislation has been signed into law."