WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 2175

An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mindy Domb and 1 co-sponsor

Creates blue envelopes with guidance to improve police encounters with people with autism; they hold a driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance, available on request.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2175

Summary of HD 2175: An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

Purpose

To improve communication and interactions between police officers and individuals on the autism spectrum. The bill would establish a standardized, readily accessible tool—blue envelopes—that provide targeted information to aid police encounters and allow for convenient storage of essential documents.

Key Provisions

  • Insertion of Section 56A into Chapter 6C of the General Laws.
  • Definition of “Blue envelopes”:
    • Blue-colored envelopes designed by the Department of State Police or the Registry of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Department of State Police, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, and autism advocates (e.g., Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts or similar organizations).
    • Features: 1) Written information and guidance on the outside of the envelope about ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism. 2) Instructions to facilitate access to the envelope (e.g., attach to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle). 3) Capacity to hold a person’s motor vehicle operator’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance ID card.
  • Availability: The RMV must make blue envelopes available, upon request, to a person with autism or to that person’s parent or guardian.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Persons with autism spectrum disorder and their parents/guardians.
  • Secondarily impacted: Police officers and law enforcement agencies, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of State Police.
  • Stakeholders involved in design: MSP, RMV, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, and autism advocacy organizations.

Implementation & Timeline

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Process implications: Requires collaboration among state agencies and law enforcement groups to design, disseminate, and make envelopes available upon request. No mandatory use by officers is stated; the envelope is a resource for those who choose to obtain it.

Additional Context

  • The bill is a proposed measure introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court session. Its aim is to provide a practical, standardized tool to support safer, more effective interactions during police encounters with autistic individuals.
  • The envelope is designed to be non-punitive and informational, serving as a communication aid rather than a policing mandate.

This summary focuses on the substantive provisions, who/what is affected, and the timeline for implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.