Press Release  Governor Healey Signs Blue Envelope Bill to Improve Interactions Between Law Enforcement and Individuals with Autism

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today signed An Act Facilitating Better Interactions Between Police Officers and Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, legislation designed to improve communication and understanding during encounters between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism. 

The new law formally establishes the Blue Envelope Program in Massachusetts, creating a statewide framework to help individuals with autism communicate important information to law enforcement officers during traffic stops and other interactions. The program is intended to support safe, respectful and effective communications while helping officers carry out their responsibilities and providing individuals and families with greater confidence and peace of mind. 

“Every person deserves to feel safe and understood during an interaction with law enforcement,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This law will help improve communication, reduce uncertainty and support better outcomes for individuals with autism, their families and the officers who serve our communities. I'm grateful to the advocates, families and legislators who worked to make this important legislation a reality, as well as the Massachusetts State Police and the many local police departments that have already embraced Blue Envelope programs and helped lead the way.” 

 “Good public safety starts with communication, trust and understanding,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Blue Envelope Program is an important tool that can help law enforcement officers better recognize and respond to the needs of individuals with autism while giving families added confidence during these interactions.” 

“This legislation establishes practical protocols that will ensure clearer communication and enhanced safety during traffic stops that involve individuals with Autism,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for recognizing the need for these important reforms.” 

"Thanks to Governor Healey's signature today, the Commonwealth has taken a key step toward every interaction between law enforcement and neurodiverse residents being safe, positive, and respectful," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We have already seen the positive impacts here in Massachusetts, and by establishing this as a permanent program, everyone wins. I am grateful to Governor Healey, Senator Comerford, and all of the advocates and voices who got this legislation across the finish line." 

The Blue Envelope Program allows drivers and passengers with autism to voluntarily carry a distinctive envelope containing essential documents and information that can assist officers during an interaction. The envelope alerts officers that an individual may communicate, process information, or respond differently in stressful situations, helping foster safer and more effective engagement. 

“The Blue Envelope Program reflects the longstanding commitment of state and local police to build trust and support successful interactions with members of the autism community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This legislation ensures the program, which began several years ago through the initiative of the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, will continue with the full support of state law. In addition to this important tool, public safety officials across the Commonwealth will continue to deepen their understanding of this community’s needs through enhanced training and outreach to neighbors we serve.” 

"The Massachusetts State Police are grateful that the Blue Envelope legislation will expand access to Blue Envelopes for drivers on the Autism Spectrum across Massachusetts. Since launching the program in 2024, our Troopers have witnessed firsthand how these envelopes improve communication during traffic stops, helping drivers and officers navigate interactions more safely and effectively," said Colonel Geoffrey Noble of the Massachusetts State Police.  "The program empowers drivers to communicate their needs while providing law enforcement officers with information that helps them respond appropriately and with greater understanding. By promoting communication, preparedness, and mutual respect, the Blue Envelope program strengthens trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve while helping create safer outcomes for everyone involved." 

“Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are committed to advancing policies and programs that improve safety, accessibility, and equity across our multimodal transportation network,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “The Blue Envelope bill represents an important step forward in supporting individuals with autism by helping to facilitate positive informed interactions with law enforcement. We are grateful to the Legislature, advocates, law enforcement, partners and families who have championed this effort, and we look forward to continuing our work to ensure Massachusetts’ transportation network serves all residents, employers and visitors with dignity and respect.” 

“The Blue Envelope Bill is an easy but powerful tool that helps foster clearer communication and understanding during interactions between drivers and law enforcement,”said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “By providing individuals with autism way to share important information, we are helping to create safer, more comfortable encounters for everyone involved. The Registry is proud to support this initiative and remains committed to making our services more accessible and inclusive for all residents of the state." 

The legislation reflects years of advocacy and collaboration among individuals with autism, families, service providers, advocacy organizations and law enforcement professionals. By establishing a statewide framework for the Blue Envelope Program, Massachusetts is helping strengthen public safety while building stronger relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. 

 “Today, as Governor Healey signs the Blue Envelope Bill into law, the Commonwealth affirms its commitment to individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), lead filer of this legislation in the Senate. “By codifying the Blue Envelope program, we are advancing safer, more informed interactions during traffic stops and other public emergencies — making permanent a simple but powerful tool for drivers and first responders alike. This milestone reflects the tireless advocacy of families, organizations, law enforcement, and individuals with lived experience whose voices propelled this effort and brought us closer to a Commonwealth where everyone can thrive. Thank you to Representatives Mindy Domb and Sean Garballey for their partnership on this legislation and gratitude to Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues for advancing this legislation.” 

"Governor Healey signing the Blue Envelope bill today is another huge step towards providing safety and peace of mind to so many across our Commonwealth,” said Representative Sean Garballey (D- Arlington), House sponsor of the bill. “I am incredibly grateful to Representative Domb for her partnership and outstanding leadership on this issue. I am also thankful to the many partners who helped pass this but especially Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz, Chairman Arciero, Senator Comerford, and all of my colleagues in the House and Senate. This work could not have been done without our partners at the Arc of Massachusetts and Sam and Ilyse Kanji and all who have been fierce advocates and champions for this common-sense legislation." 

“I want to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz, my legislative partners, Representative Garballey and Senator Comerford, and Governor Healey for signing this bill into law. I am also deeply grateful to The Arc of Massachusetts, the Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, the UMass Amherst Police Chief, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police, and the State Police Association,” said Representative Mindy Domb (D- Amherst). “It is their diligent work that has advanced this bill into law. I would also like to give special recognition to UMass Amherst student Max Callahan who brought this issue and the solution to the legislature. Max, who has autism, shared how his desire to drive was overshadowed by his concern that if he were pulled over, his reaction to stress could be misinterpreted as dangerous or avoidant, potentially putting him in danger. The blue envelope is a simple, common-sense remedy to this challenge. This bill’s process exemplifies the power of policy when individuals with lived experience share their expertise to create meaningful solutions. Today, we are strengthening the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and independence of all residents.” 

“With the Governor’s signature on the Archaic Language bill for people with disabilities and now on the Blue Envelope bill as well, we are making Massachusetts a safer, more supportive, and more inclusive place for all people of all abilities,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. “The Blue Envelope bill is an important step forward in making activities like driving accessible to all. Thank you to the advocacy organizations, service providers, families, and most of all, the self-advocates, who have come to testify on the importance of the Blue Envelope. Victories like these are not possible without your work.” 

"The blue envelope law is an important step to help people on the Autism spectrum feel safer and better understood when interacting with police,” said Representative Jay Livingstone, Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. “It also proves police with more information that will lead to better interactions. Thank you to the many stakeholders who worked on this important bill." 

“The passage of the Blue Envelope bill is a monumental step forward for safety, inclusivity, and peace of mind within our community. The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts are profoundly grateful to Governor Healey, whose visionary leadership in rolling out this program early paved the way for this historic milestone. We are equally thankful to our legislative leaders in the House and Senate for their overwhelming support in codifying the Blue Envelope into law,” said Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts.  “This simple, common-sense tool provides immediate, essential context to law enforcement, ensuring interactions involving autistic drivers and passengers are rooted in clarity, patience, and mutual safety. We look forward to working alongside the administration and lawmakers to educate the public and ensure this powerful tool reaches everyone who needs it.” 

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