Sen. Lewis and Mass. Senate approve permanent “blue envelope” program supporting people with autism

Special to The Advoate

On July 24, 2025, State Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to pass (39-0) legislation to help foster safer interactions between police and people with autism spectrum disorder by codifying the “blue envelope” program, which was first advanced by the Senate last year, into state law. Blue envelopes prevent miscommunication and promote better understanding during traffic stops that involve a person with autism. The outside of an envelope notes that a person has autism and prominently features guidance about how to best interact with that individual, 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.

“The blue envelope program is a simple and highly effective way to make traffic stops safer for drivers and law enforcement,” said Senator Lewis. “Since its start last year, blue envelopes have been seen to improve communication and reduce stress, and I look forward to seeing this program made permanent soon.”

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 would write the practice into state law. On July 28, the Massachusetts House of Representatives referred the legislation to its committee on Ways and Means.