TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Florida bill aimed at improving interactions between law enforcement and people with autism is now on the governor’s desk.
SB 418 would create a new blue envelope/ blue card program for drivers on the autism spectrum.
This blue envelope or card would hold a driver’s license, registration, insurance and emergency contact info, so that during an interaction with law enforcement, such as a traffic stop, a person with autism could hand it to an officer.
If passed, people on the autism spectrum would be able to request the blue envelope or card from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or the tax collector’s office.
The bill specifies that the envelope must clearly identify the person as having autism spectrum disorder and include communication guidelines intended to help officers during interactions.
The bill would also expand law enforcement training on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in an in-person recruiting course.
The training would cover topics such as what autism looks like, interviewing techniques, de-escalation, locating and safely returning someone with ASD who has run away, recognizing a person’s agency while identifying potential abuse or coercion and understanding how the Baker Act may apply.
It would also include information on the blue envelope/card program and the motor vehicle record “SAFE” designation.
The training component would need to be incorporated into basic recruit training by July 1, 2028, and all certified officers would have to complete it, either through recruit training or continued online education, by July 1, 2030.
In addition, a county in Florida’s Big Bend is also looking to improve interactions between law enforcement and people with autism. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office launched an autism vehicle decal initiative last month to provide comfort and reassurance to families and community members with autism.
Gov. DeSantis has until June 27 to act on the bill.
