By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved, on a voice vote without a roll call, the House version of legislation designed to improve interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. The Senate had previously approved its own version but last week agreed to the House version. This program was adopted by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024 but is not an actual law. This bill would codify the program into Massachusetts law. The proposal needs additional approval in each branch before it goes to Gov. Healey.

The measure, dubbed the “Blue Envelope Bill,” would create a program giving people with the disorder the option to be given a special blue envelope that holds the person’s driver’s license and vehicle registration. On the outside of the envelope there would be written information and guidance on the envelope regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder. The envelope must also include instructions for access to the envelope, including attaching it to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The bill is designed to enable the driver to quickly and easily hand the envelope to a police officer during a traffic stop.

Supporters said that since the program was adopted by the State Police in 2024, more than 12,000 Blue Envelopes have been distributed. They said that the codification into law is expected to increase both access to and awareness of Blue Envelopes for drivers and law enforcement officers.

“I am overjoyed that this necessary bill to enshrine the Blue Envelopes Program in law will soon be on its way to the governor’s desk,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), the sponsor of an original version of the proposal.