Downloads
SB 418 — Law Enforcement Officer Interactions with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Senators Jones and Smith
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill creates the “Blue Envelope and Blue Card Program” within the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) to improve communication between individuals with autism spectrum disorder and law enforcement officers during motor vehicle-related interactions.
The blue envelope is intended to hold a copy of the individual's important information such as a driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The exterior of the blue envelope will identify the individual as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the envelopes will include communication guidelines for officers during interactions with drivers with ASD. The blue card may be digital or a durable wallet sized card will include communication guidelines for officers during interactions with individuals with ASD. Blue envelopes and blue cards will be available by request from the HSMV or local tax collector beginning January 1, 2027.
The bill creates training for officers relating to individuals with ASD by the Criminal Justice Training Commission to include:
- The nature and manifestation of ASD,
- Techniques for interviewing or interrogating an individual with ASD including legality of statements and protection of rights,
- Techniques for locating an individual with ASD who has run away and is in danger and for returning that individual while causing as little stress as possible to the individual,
- Techniques for recognizing the agency of an individual with ASD while identifying potential abusive or coercive situations,
- De-escalation strategies,
- Techniques for differentiating ASD behaviors from belligerence,
- Impact of officer interactions on ASD individuals, and
- Information on the blue envelope and blue card program and “SAFE” designation.
The bill requires that each basic skills course required for law enforcement officers to obtain initial certification include online required training by July 1, 2028. By July 1, 2030, each law enforcement officer must successfully complete such training as part of basic recruit or continued training or education.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 111-0