Blue Envelope
BEAUMONT (CNS) – An Inland Empire lawmaker Wednesday unveiled legislation seeking to establish a statewide standard “Blue Envelope Program” aimed at ensuring less stressful encounters between residents with intellectual disabilities and law enforcement personnel.
“A routine traffic stop can be stressful for anyone, but for individuals with autism or other disabilities, it can be terrifying — sometimes leading to unnecessary escalation,” Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, R- Beaumont, said. “Senate Bill 664 is a simple yet powerful solution that fosters understanding, reduces fear and ultimately keeps everyone safer — both individuals with disabilities and the officers who serve our communities.”
The bill would draw on the expertise of sheriffs, police chiefs, Department of Motor Vehicles administrators and others to establish specific Blue Envelope Program standards for use in every county and municipality, according to Bogh.
The Blue Envelope concept has already led to statewide programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Currently, it’s available in California, but localities are generally left to come up with their own baseline criteria.
“As the first agency in California to implement a Blue Envelope Program, we are proud that this has caught on,” Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said. “This bill sets to standardize the program statewide to ensure consistency in its application. SB 664 helps bridge the communication gap between our disabled community and law enforcement to ensure a safer and more understanding experience.”
Blue envelopes can contain motorists’ licenses, vehicle registration, insurance and sets of instructions for the person stopped by law enforcement, as well as the law enforcement officers, to whom the envelopes are handed.
“Program participants often express that the Blue Envelope Program gives them confidence to communicate with law enforcement,” San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez said. “With SB 664, let us uplift our commitment to the communities by aiming to make California a model for compassion and understanding in law enforcement.”
The proposal, if approved, would give the DMV until Jan. 1, 2027, to collaborate with community stakeholders to come up with a framework statewide program.
“We cannot stop working on this problem until all people with developmental disabilities and their families can safely navigate their communities, and law enforcement is fully informed and confident in their approach to meeting the unique needs of our community,” Association of Regional Center Agencies Director Amy Westling said regarding the bill.
It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation for initial review.
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