Senators Coons, Schmitt introduce legislation to support programs that improve communication between law enforcement and Americans with disabilities

State and local Blue Envelope programs provide drivers with a blue envelope to present to first responders, helping drivers safely interact with law enforcement

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help states and local communities create, expand, or strengthen programs designed to improve interactions between law enforcement personnel and Americans who may face challenges communicating with first responders.

Blue Envelope programs help improve communication between law enforcement and public safety personnel with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), or others who may face communication challenges. They provide participating drivers with a blue envelope to use during traffic stops, which can hold the individual's identification, emergency contacts, vehicle registration, insurance, and other helpful information. Programs can also provide Blue Envelope-branded products drivers can wear or display when interacting with law enforcement and other public safety personnel.

Additionally, Blue Envelope programs provide law enforcement and first responders with training and resources for safer, more effective interactions with individuals with ASD, I/DD, or facing other communication challenges. Participating community members and their families can also access voluntary training, education, and related resources.

The legislation is led in the House by Representatives Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35) and John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05).

"For many people with disabilities that affect their communication, routine encounters with law enforcement can lead to confusion, unnecessary escalation, and sometimes even tragedy," said Senator Coons. "The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act will give both people with disabilities and law enforcement the tools and training they need to de-escalate encounters while protecting public safety and the safety and independence of millions of Americans living with disabilities."

"Ensuring the safety and independence of those in the Autism and developmental disabilities community is a chief priority of mine. Working with key law enforcement partners to help those with disabilities better identify themselves when interacting with law enforcement helps keep everyone safe. I am proud to support this commonsense program and look forward to the positive impacts it will have on communities across America," said Senator Schmitt.

"As a former sheriff and lifelong law enforcement officer, I believe nothing is more important than the safety and security of all members of our community," said Representative John Rutherford. "That includes individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and others who may face communication challenges when interacting with law enforcement officers and first responders. To keep members of the autistic community safe, it is important that officers have the tools they need to reduce misunderstandings that can arise from differences in communication. I am proud to join Senators Coons and Schmitt by introducing this legislation in the House with Representative Torres to support blue envelope programs nationwide."

"The Inland Empire's Blue Envelope Programs have been a success, and this bill would support and expand similar programs across the country," said Representative Norma Torres. "For individuals with Autism, developmental disabilities, or other communication challenges, encounters with law enforcement and other first responders can be confusing or overwhelming. Blue Envelope programs help foster positive and safer interactions at traffic stops and other encounters. I'm proud to be the lead sponsor of this legislation and look forward to advancing this bipartisan, bicameral effort to provide law enforcement and communities the tools, resources, and training needed to launch and run Blue Envelope Programs across the country."

The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act aims to provide federal funding to help states and local communities create, expand, or strengthen Blue Envelope programs nationwide.

Specifically, the bill:

• Authorizes grants for training and resources for law enforcement and first responders on interacting with individuals with ASD, I/DD, or other features that can affect communication
• Protects individual and family privacy by preventing the development of registration systems
• Prioritizes programs that involve multiple law enforcement agencies, entities with experience with person-centered and trauma-informed practices and a direct link to individuals with ASD and I/DD and their families and have community support
• Requires the Department of Justice to (1) write a report to Congress every two years on the implementation of the Blue Envelope grants under this section and best practices, and (2) create an online directory of Blue Envelope programs so members of the public can find their closest program

The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act is endorsed by: the Autism Society, Autism Speaks, the Major County Sheriffs Association (MCSA), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Easterseals, Autism Delaware, The ARC of Delaware, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, the National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities, the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), The Arc of the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychological Association Services, the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD), the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), PD Avengers - Global Alliance to End Parkinson's.

"This bill is designed to reduce anxiety for drivers and help police understand there may be a need for special accommodations. The envelope typically includes the driver's license, insurance information, vehicle registration, and emergency contact information. Drivers, when stopped, can hand this to the officer providing critical information to signal their condition and need for a special accommodation. This is a low-tech solution for what could otherwise be a challenging situation for both driver and officer. We applaud the work of Senator Coons to ensure this becomes a national initiative and serves all communities as it has in Delaware," said the Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

"Each year at Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, we serve hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families as they are navigating the complexities of disability. We know firsthand how critical these kinds of practical, evidence-informed interventions can be," said Ken Sklenar, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore President/CEO. "The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act not only reinforces our shared commitment to inclusive communities-it reflects a common-sense, compassionate approach to policing that we believe all members of Congress can and should support."

"The National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities (NPS-AID) commends the introduction of the Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act. By explicitly authorizing funding to support communication tools, training, and programs such as the Blue Envelope initiative, this legislation will strengthen the bridge between officers and community members with disabilities - helping ensure that every traffic stop is approached with the dignity, understanding and safety it deserves," said George Chopek, President/CEO, National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities.

"Effective communication between Autistic individuals and first responders is essential to safety and well-being. By ensuring Autism experts help design and deliver this training, including the use of blue envelopes, this legislation strengthens community trust and promotes safer, more inclusive emergency responses nationwide," Joseph Joyce, CEO and President of the Autism Society of America.

"I hear from autistic drivers all the time about the anxiety they carry into traffic stops -- the fear that they won't be understood," said Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks. "Blue

Envelope programs give drivers a simple yet effective way to communicate their needs, and they give officers the tools to respond with confidence and respect. We are grateful to Senator Coons and Senator Schmitt for championing this bipartisan effort. By prioritizing community-centered training and implementation of Blue Envelope initiatives nationwide, this bill expands access to a model that empowers autistic people to navigate traffic encounters on their own terms and ensure that a routine traffic stop stays just that routine."

Read the one-pager here.

Read the full bill text here.