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The following was submitted by the office of Sen. Jason Lewis:
State Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to pass legislation to help foster safer interactions between police and people with autism spectrum disorder by codifying the “blue envelope” program, first advanced by the Senate last year, into state law.
Blue envelopes prevent miscommunication and promote better understanding during traffic stops that involve a person with autism. The outside of an envelope notes that a person has autism and prominently features guidance about how to best interact with that individual whose ability to communicate is likely to be negatively affected by a stressful situation. Inside the envelope, there are places to store the individual’s driver’s license and vehicle registration.
“The blue envelope program is a simple and highly effective way to make traffic stops safer for drivers and law enforcement,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “Since its start last year, blue envelopes have been seen to improve communication and reduce stress, and I look forward to seeing this program made permanent soon.”
Individuals with autism, or their parents or guardians, can request the envelopes from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
The Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in January 2024, and the Massachusetts State Police then proactively implemented a blue envelope program last spring. This bill would write the practice into state law.
Senators passed the legislation on a 39-0 roll call vote, and the legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
