TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Florida bill aimed at improving interactions between law enforcement and people with autism is now on the governor\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n
SB 418<\/a> would create a new blue envelope\/ blue card program for drivers on the autism spectrum.<\/p>\n This blue envelope or card would hold a driver\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s office. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Florida Politics:<\/p>\n The bill would also expand law enforcement training on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in an in-person recruiting course. <\/p>\n 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\u2019s agency while identifying potential abuse or coercion and understanding how the Baker Act may apply.<\/p>\n It would also include information on the blue envelope\/card program and the motor vehicle record \u201cSAFE\u201d designation.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In addition, a county in Florida\u2019s Big Bend is also looking to improve interactions between law enforcement and people with autism. The Hamilton County Sheriff\u2019s Office launched an autism vehicle decal initiative last month<\/a> to provide comfort and reassurance to families and community members with autism. <\/p>\n Gov. DeSantis has until June 27 to act on the bill.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n