The proposed bill establishes a voluntary blue envelope program aimed at improving communication between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions during traffic stops. Recognizing that traffic stops can be tense and that neurodiverse individuals may respond in ways that could be misinterpreted, the program seeks to provide essential resources to enhance understanding and accommodation. The blue envelope will contain safety tips for drivers, recommendations for law enforcement officers on interaction techniques, and instructions for including important vehicle documents.
The bill mandates the development of this program by the department in consultation with relevant stakeholders, ensuring that qualified individuals can obtain the blue envelope at no cost from any driver licensing office in Washington. Additionally, the department is tasked with maintaining accessible information about the program online and is authorized to seek grants and donations to support its implementation. The definition of "neurodiverse" is also provided, encompassing a range of conditions such as autism, ADHD, and other related disorders.