Directs the department of motor vehicles commissioner to offer, upon request, a "blue envelope" to a person who has autism spectrum disorder in order to facilitate clear and safe communication with law enforcement and provide ease of access to a driver's documentation.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9013
SPONSOR: McDonald TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing
"blue envelopes" to individuals with autism spectrum disorder
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Directs the department of motor vehicles commissioner to offer, upon
request, a "blue envelope" to a person who has autism spectrum disorder
in order to facilitate clear and safe communication with law enforcement
and provide ease of access to a driver's documentation.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the vehicle and traffic law to add a new section 401-c
that establishes the blue envelope program.
Section 2 establishes the effective date.
JUTSIFICATION:
This legislation would authorize the department of motor vehicles, in
consultation with the state police to design and issue blue envelopes
that will facilitate safe and clear communication between law enforce-
ment and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The envelope will
contain the driver's license, registration, and insurance, providing
ease of access to law enforcement. Its exterior will signal clear commu-
nication to law enforcement allowing for a tailored communication style
between parties.
Traffic stops can be particularly stressful for individuals with autism
spectrum disorder. The envelope provides an initial and clear visual cue
that can immediately provide law enforcement with the information they
need to lead a positive interaction. Individuals with autism spectrum
disorder feel more prepared and secure having their documentation readi-
ly available.
Currently, Massachusetts has implemented a similar program that has
fostered communication between the state's police and autism spectrum
disorder community. New York currently issues standardized identifica-
tion cards that communicate their diagnosis. This program would inte-
grate the department of motor vehicles and state police for the purpose
of improving awareness and streamlining communication especially involv-
ing the production of documents during stops.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred and eightieth day after it
shall become a law.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
9013
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
August 13, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. McDONALD -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing
"blue envelopes" to individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new
2 section 401-c to read as follows:
3 § 401-c. Blue envelopes. 1. For the purposes of this section, the term
4 "blue envelope" shall mean blue colored envelopes designed by the
5 commissioner, in consultation with the New York state police and the
6 office for people with developmental disabilities, that:
7 (a) provide clearly written information and guidance on the outside of
8 the envelope regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a
9 police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder;
10 (b) include instructions for ease of access to the envelope, includ-
11 ing, but not limited to, attaching the envelope to the sun visor on the
12 driver's side of the vehicle; and
13 (c) can hold a person's drivers' license, certificate of registration,
14 and insurance identification card.
15 2. The department shall make available, upon request, said blue envel-
16 ope to a person with autism spectrum disorder or the person's parent or
17 guardian.
18 § 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after
19 it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amend-
20 ment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implemen-
21 tation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
22 completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13544-01-5
