By Bob Katzen

Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would create a “Yellow Envelope Program,” that would give drivers 62 and older, who have a chronic illness, the option to be given a special yellow envelope that holds a recent photograph, the driver’s name, emergency contact information, physicians’ names and contact information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies, medications and any other information the Registrar decides is relevant information to emergency responders in the case of emergency.

Amendment supporters say that this program would be in addition to the Blue Envelope Program and would be helpful in many situations. They note that 22 other states have this program.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (D-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his amendment. Beacon Hill Roll Call also did not receive a response from any of the other four senators who voted for the amendment: Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton), Peter Durant (R-Spencer), Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) and Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth).

Amendment opponents say that the bill should not be attached as an amendment to the Blue Envelope Bill but rather should be considered on its own at a public hearing,’

Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), the Senate chair of the Transportation Committee, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his opposition to the amendment.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No