(BOSTON—7/25/2025) On Thursday, Senator Feeney voted to pass 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). 

"The Blue Envelope Bill offers a common-sense solution to ensuring individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder feel safe and understood when communicating with law enforcement, while also providing law enforcement with the tools needed to ensure constructive and positive interactions with all community members. Grateful to once again pass this legislation in the Senate to address and respect the unique needs of certain neurodivergent individuals and ensure law enforcement is supported in their efforts to do so,” said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). 

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 

Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an Executive Committee member of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM): 

“The ‘blue envelope’ would be a game changer for our family and for so many Massachusetts residents. 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 Comerford’s leadership in introducing and championing this common-sense initiative and to the Senate for moving so quickly to pass the bill.” 

Maura Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts: 

"The Arc of Massachusetts applauds the Massachusetts State Senate’s passage of the Blue Envelope bill, an Arc legislative priority. This crucial legislation will provide a simple, effective tool to help drivers and passengers with autism feel more confident and safer during traffic stops or accidents, while also enabling Massachusetts Police to better engage with and assist them. We are deeply grateful to Senator Comerford for her unwavering leadership in championing the Blue Envelope. We appreciate the opportunity to work with hundreds of advocates and stakeholders on this bill. The Arc is now focused on securing its passage in the House of Representatives, raising community awareness about the Blue Envelope, and continuing our work toward more inclusive communities for all people across the autism spectrum." 

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