CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A new bill aimed at making traffic stops safer and less stressful for drivers on the autism spectrum is one step closer to becoming law. The Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously passed the blue envelope bill on Wednesday.

This is what those blue envelopes look like, and its meant to make the process easier for those on the autism spectrum. The blue envelope bill was unanimously passed in the state house of representatives. This bill now requires the Mass. RMV to produce these blue envelopes that are meant to hold those important documents; including their license, registration, and proof of insurance.

It’s double sided with instructions for person on the autism spectrum to hand the officer the envelope, and what the officer may do like shining a flashlight. On the other side, it explains how the driver might act because they are on the autism spectrum.

The Blue Envelope Program was adopted by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024. Since then, more than 12,000 blue envelopes have been distributed. Local police departments like Chicopee have been using these envelopes for a year, and they say it can make a those stops less stressful.

“Just to make it simple, so when an officer approaches them on a traffic stop, traffic stops are often very anxious times for drivers. So, they’re fumbling around looking for things. This makes it easier to cut down the anxiety a little bit,” said Chicopee Police Spokesperson Travis Odiorne.

The bill now awaits final action in the legislature, before it will head to Governor Healy’s desk.

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