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A new Georgia law went into effect on Saturday with the aim of providing first responders with the information that they need to handle individuals with special needs during emergencies.

Logan’s Law (HB 631) went into effect on July 1 and provides a system for local governments to maintain a database with information to alert first responders that there are individuals in the home who may have special needs. This allows EMTs, firefighters and law enforcement to have a heads-up so they can respond to a situation better.

The law is named after a Georgia teen with autism and other special needs. Under the law, counties can set up a database that includes information about people in the home with any special conditions.

Logan’s List, as the database is sometimes called, is completely optional. Troup 911 Director Shannon McLaughlin said a form for families wishing to participate can be found on the county’s website at www.troupcountyga.gov/PublicSafety/E911.

McLaughlin said they have received 42 requests to participate since the law went into effect, but Troup 911 had already been signing up families for some time. She said they signed families up at the Family Resource Expo at Clearview Elementary in February.

The questionnaire should only take a few minutes to complete and includes important information for police and EMTs responding to emergency calls such as whether the special needs individual is sensitive to light, likely to hide or fight, afraid of police or people in uniform,  subject to seizures or other conditions.

McLaughlin said the information is only for emergency personnel and will not be shared with others.

The law is similar to Walker’s Law, which provides information on vehicle registrations that the person behind the wheel may have physical, mental or neurological conditions that could hinder their ability to communicate, McLaughlin said.

Completed forms can be submitted via email to smclaughlin@troupcountyga.gov or faxed to (706) 883-1666 or mailed to Troup County 911, 100 Ridley Ave, LaGrange, GA 30240.

For more information call (706) 883-1700.