(BOSTON 6/16/2026) — The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed legislation establishing a statewide ‘blue envelope’ program, giving motorists with autism spectrum disorder a simple, recognizable way to alert police officers to their diagnosis and help guide the interaction before it escalates. The bill – S.2565, An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder – effectively makes permanent a Massachusetts State Police pilot created last year after a similar program was proposed by the Legislature.

The easily recognizable envelopes can be handed over during a traffic stop by an individual with autism whose ability to communicate is likely to be negatively affected by a stressful situation.

The outside of the blue envelope prominently notes that the person has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), along with guidance on how to effectively interact with them, while the inside features places to store their driver’s license and auto registration.

During Senate debate, Senator Michael Moore introduced an amendment requiring law enforcement officers to complete training every five years on how the blue envelope program works and how to best interact with individuals with autism. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the amendment language was retained in the final bill passed by both chambers.

“People on the autism spectrum can face unique challenges during stressful situations, such as traffic stops. The Blue Envelope program will help officers instantly understand if a driver might require a different approach, and my amendment will ensure that all law enforcement officials in the Commonwealth have the training they need to better understand these individuals, with training refreshers every five years,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “Policies like these help keep everyone on the road safer. I’m hopeful that the blue envelope program will be written into law this year so that we can further cement our commitment to making the Commonwealth more accessible for all.”

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) would be responsible for making the envelopes available to people with ASD or their parents or guardians.

The House of Representatives and the Senate each enacted the bill yesterday, sending it to the Governor for her signature.

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