Senate Approves Permanent ‘Blue Envelope’ Program Supporting People with Autism
Bill codifies program that fosters safer interactions between police and persons with autism
(BOSTON—07/24/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder, which would make permanent the ‘blue envelope’ program first advanced by the Senate early last year.
Blue envelopes prevent miscommunication and promote better understanding during traffic stops that involve a person with autism spectrum disorder. 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, S.2558, would write the practice into state law.
The outside of the envelope notes that the person has autism spectrum disorder. It also prominently features guidance about how to best interact with an individual with autism 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.
Individuals with autism, or their parents or guardians, can request the envelopes from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
“Something as simple as a blue envelope can increase the chances that interactions with police are positive, respectful and less stressful for our neurodiverse friends, neighbors, and family members,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have already seen the positive impact of blue envelopes in Massachusetts, and by making this a permanent program we are benefiting both drivers and public safety officials. I am grateful to Senator Comerford for tirelessly advocating for this important initiative, to Chairs Crighton and Rodrigues for their work on this bill, and to each of my colleagues for their support.”
“This legislation goes a long way towards increasing the communication, positive interactions, and trust between people with autism spectrum disorder and our local police departments,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The uniform blue color of these envelopes will be easily identifiable and make them a recognizable tool in our public safety system, leading to increased respect and dignity for all.”
“Earlier this year, at our Joint Committee on Transportation hearing, we heard resounding support for the ‘blue envelope’ bill,” said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Individuals with autism and their families, law enforcement agencies, and community advocacy groups voiced their support, and we are proud to take action today to codify this program that enables the promotion of better communication and safer interactions for both police officers and drivers with autism. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for prioritizing this initiative, Senator Comerford for her continued advocacy on this measure, and to all those who have spoken out in support of this program.”
“I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Transportation Chair Brendan Crighton and my colleagues for passing this important legislation,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “The ‘blue envelope’ bill makes our Commonwealth a safer place for people who are neurodiverse. It moves us closer to equal opportunity and access for people of all abilities.”
The legislation was reported out of the Joint Committee on Transportation on July 7, 2025. The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced a redrafted version on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full bill summary and a recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and vote on the bill.
Senators passed the legislation on a 39-0 roll call vote. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Statements of Support
“The ‘blue envelope’ would be a game changer for our family and for so many Massachusetts residents,” said Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an Executive Committee member of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). “Like many people with autism, my 27-year-old son Sam does not have any physical characteristics that indicate he has autism. In a stressful situation, where split second decisions must be made, I’m relieved that a police officer could see a blue envelope in Sam’s car and immediately understand that any unusual behavior or speech pattern is a result of his autism. This bill could thereby dramatically decrease the possibility of a tragic misunderstanding. Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts is extremely grateful for Senator Commerford’s leadership in introducing and championing this common-sense initiative and to the Senate for moving so quickly to pass the bill.”
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