San Diego County’s sheriff has thrown her support behind a bill to establish a standard for programs intended to help those with developmental disabilities during law enforcement encounters.
A lawmaker on Wednesday unveiled Senate Bill 664 to establish a statewide Blue Envelope Program. The proposal, if approved, would give the Department of Motor Vehicles until Jan. 1, 2027, to collaborate with community stakeholders and come up with a framework program, with input from sheriffs, police chiefs, DMV administrators and more.
“Program participants often express that the Blue Envelope Program gives them confidence to communicate with law enforcement,” San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez said. “With SB 664, let us uplift our commitment to the communities by aiming to make California a model for compassion and understanding in law enforcement.”
Blue envelopes can contain motorists’ licenses, vehicle registration, insurance and sets of instructions, both for the person holding them as well as the law enforcement officers who receive them.
The concept has led to statewide programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Programs are available in California, but cities and counties are generally left to come up with their own criteria. San Diego County Sheriff’s Office adopted the use of the envelopes in 2023.
“A routine traffic stop can be stressful for anyone, but for individuals with autism or other disabilities, it can be terrifying – sometimes leading to unnecessary escalation,” said state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, R-Beaumont, of her bill. “Senate Bill 664 is a simple yet powerful solution that fosters understanding, reduces fear and ultimately keeps everyone safer – both individuals with disabilities and the officers who serve our communities.”
The proposal has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation for initial review. State Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, is a co-author of SB 664.
“We cannot stop working on this problem until all people with developmental disabilities and their families can safely navigate their communities, and law enforcement is fully informed and confident in their approach to meeting the unique needs of our community,” Association of Regional Center Agencies Director Amy Westling said regarding the bill.
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