This 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 of the Florida Statutes, which mandates the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop a blue envelope that individuals with ASD can use to hold their driver license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and emergency contact information. The envelope will also include communication guidelines to assist law enforcement officers. Individuals with ASD will be able to request this envelope starting January 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill amends section 943.1727 of the Florida Statutes 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 effectively communicating and managing interactions with these individuals. The training will be mandatory for both basic recruit training and continued education for law enforcement officers, with specific deadlines for implementation set for July 2028 and July 2029.

Statutes affected:
S 418 Filed: 943.1727