This amendment expands the Blue Envelope Program to include people with dementia or intellectual and developmental disabilities alongside those with autism.
West Virginia2026Enacted
HB4053
Blue Envelope Program for Drivers with Disabilities
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 11:08 AM
In one sentence
This law requires the State Police to create a program that gives blue envelopes to drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities to help police officers communicate better during traffic stops.
What it does
- Requires the State Police to establish the Blue Envelope Program by January 1, 2027.
- Provides durable blue envelopes for drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Includes printed directions on best practices for interacting safely during traffic stops.
- Allows space inside the envelope for a driver's license, registration card, insurance card, emergency contact information, and notes about communication needs.
- Limits what information the State Police can collect and store about people who request these envelopes.
Who it affects
- Drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Law enforcement officers responding to traffic stops or accidents involving these drivers.
- The West Virginia State Police responsible for creating and distributing the program materials.
Limits and unknowns
- The State Police do not have to check if the information written on the envelope is true.
- Using this program does not create legal liability for the state unless someone knowingly provides false information.
- Information identifying a person who requested an envelope cannot be stored after distribution.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Blue Envelope Program
- A system where special blue envelopes help police understand a driver's medical needs during traffic stops or accidents.
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Conditions that affect how a person learns, thinks, or communicates with others.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
To establish the blue envelope program.
Official activity
Bill history
- Chapter 209, Acts, Regular Session, 2026H
- Approved by Governor 3/25/2026H
- To Governor 3/18/2026H
- Approved by Governor 3/25/2026 - House JournalH
- Approved by Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate JournalS
- To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate JournalS
- House Message receivedS
- Completed legislative actionH
- Communicated to SenateH
- House concurred in Senate amendment and title amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 496)H
- House received Senate messageH
- Senate requests House to concurS
- Title amendment adoptedS
- Passed Senate (Roll No. 392)S
- Read 3rd timeS
- On 3rd readingS
- Floor amendment adopted (Voice vote)S
- Read 2nd timeS
- On 2nd readingS
- Read 1st timeS
Changes
Amendments
6 stored
This amendment expands the Blue Envelope Program to include people with dementia or intellectual and developmental disabilities alongside those with autism.
This amendment creates a Blue Envelope Program where drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual disabilities can get special blue envelopes to help police officers understand their needs during traffic stops.
This amendment creates a Blue Envelope Program where drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual disabilities can get special blue envelopes to help police officers understand their needs during traffic stops.
This amendment updates the bill's title to clearly list all new laws creating a Blue Envelope Program that helps police identify people with autism, dementia, or developmental disabilities.
This amendment updates the bill's title to clearly list all new laws it creates regarding a 'Blue Envelope Program' that helps people with certain disabilities interact safely with police.