The bill establishes a new program aimed at improving communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during motor vehicle-related interactions. It creates a "blue envelope program" under section 320.021, which mandates the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop a blue envelope that individuals with ASD can use to hold essential documents such as their driver license, vehicle registration, and emergency contact information. This envelope will also include communication guidelines to assist law enforcement officers. The program is set to be available by January 1, 2027, and individuals with ASD can request the envelope from the department or a tax collector's office starting on that date.

Additionally, the bill amends section 943.1727 to require the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to establish a training component for law enforcement officers regarding interactions with individuals with ASD. This training will be developed in collaboration with an organization that advocates for individuals with ASD and will cover various techniques for effective communication, de-escalation, and recognizing the unique needs of individuals with ASD. The training will be mandatory for all recruits and must be incorporated into both initial certification and ongoing training for law enforcement officers, with specific deadlines for implementation set for July 2028 and July 2029. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 365 Filed: 943.1727