Dear Representatives Torres and Rutherford,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 6602, the “Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act.”
This legislation would improve communication and ultimate outcomes when law enforcement officers encounter individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) during traffic stops. Those with such disabilities would be able to physically present a blue envelope to an officer to ensure that that officer is better positioned to handle the situation in a safe and effective manner since the driver may have differing needs than typically expected.
With $5 million per year in Federal grants for Blue Envelope programs from fiscal year 2027 to 2031, this legislation would equip law enforcement with the proper training, education, and resources for these unique types of interactions. In order to uphold safety standards, the grant would further maintain voluntary participation and protect privacy by prohibiting registration databases or tracking systems. The U.S. Department of Justice would ultimately be required to report to Congress every two years on grant implementation—and to maintain an online directory of Blue Envelope programs nationwide—which would serve to promote transparency and public access to these critical resources.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your leadership on this important issue. If I can provide any additional information about this bill, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President