blue envelope program; autism spectrum

HB2651 - blue envelope program; autism spectrum

Healthcare

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Sarah Liguori, Anna Abeytia, Cesar Aguilar, Lorena Austin, Junelle Cavero, Janeen Connolly, Oscar De Los Santos, Nancy Gutierrez, Aaron Márquez, Mae Peshlakai, Mariana Sandoval, Stephanie Simacek
Last action: 2026-01-21
Official status: House second read
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text does not specify an effective date or implementation timeline.

Blue Envelope Program for Drivers with Autism

This law creates a voluntary Blue Envelope Program that provides drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder an optional envelope containing information to help police officers communicate better during traffic stops.

What This Bill Does

Creates the Blue Envelope Program as a voluntary option for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Requires the Department of Public Safety to provide standardized blue envelopes in English and Spanish upon request.
Directs state officials, universities, and community groups to work together on designing the envelope contents based on proven communication strategies.
Allows drivers to place vehicle registration, insurance details, and specific instructions for police inside the envelope.
Prohibits law enforcement agencies from sharing the names or identities of people who join the program.

Who It Names or Affects

Drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Arizona
Law enforcement officers including state troopers, city police, county sheriffs, tribal agencies, and federal agents operating in the state
The Department of Public Safety which manages the envelope distribution

Terms To Know

Blue Envelope: A marked envelope containing driver information and instructions for police officers to help during traffic stops.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A medical diagnosis that affects how a person communicates or interacts with others, as noted in the bill text.

Limits and Unknowns

The law does not state when this program will officially begin operating.
It is unclear if drivers must carry the envelope at all times for it to be used effectively during a stop.
The specific design and exact wording inside the envelopes have not been finalized yet.

Bill History

2026-01-21 House
House second read
2026-01-20 House
House Rules: None
2026-01-20 House
House Public Safety & Law Enforcement: None
2026-01-20 House
House first read

Official Summary Text

HB2651 - blue envelope program; autism spectrum

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HB2651 - 572R - I Ver

REFERENCE TITLE:
blue envelope program; autism spectrum

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

HB 2651

Introduced by

Representatives
Liguori: Abeytia, Aguilar, Austin, Cavero, Connolly, De Los Santos,
Gutierrez, M�rquez, Peshlakai, Sandoval, Simacek

AN
ACT

Amending title 28, Arizona Revised
Statutes, by adding chapter 33; relating to law enforcement OFFICIALS.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 28, Arizona Revised Statutes,
is amended by adding chapter 33, to read:

CHAPTER 33

BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM

ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

START_STATUTE
28-9801.

Definitions

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise
requires:

1. "Blue envelope" means an
envelope that is marked with instructions and information for both the driver
and the law enforcement officer, pursuant to this chapter.

2. "Blue envelope program"
means the voluntary program established by this chapter that is designed to
facilitate effective communication between certified peace officers and persons
with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops or other law enforcement
interactions.

3. "Law enforcement agency"
means the department of public safety, a municipal police department, a county
sheriff's office, a tribal law enforcement agency or a federal law enforcement
agency that operates within this state.
END_STATUTE

START_STATUTE
28-9802.

Blue envelope program; requirements; confidentiality

A. The blue envelope program is
established in the department as a voluntary participation program that
facilitates effective communication between law enforcement agencies and
persons with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

B. The department shall provide a
standardized, clearly marked blue envelope available in either English and
Spanish to a driver who has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and who
requests the blue envelope.

C. the department, the university of
Arizona and community stakeholders shall COLLABORATE to determine the design
and contents of the blue envelope, which shall be informed by evidence-based
practices and communication strategies that support effective interactions
between law enforcement agencies and persons with autism spectrum disorder.

D. The contents of the envelope may
include:

1. The person's vehicle registration.

2. The person's vehicle insurance
information.

3. Any information about how to
communicate with a driver who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder for
law enforcement, which shall be in English.

E. The department and law enforcement
agencies may not disclose the identity of any person who is participating in
the blue envelope program pursuant to this chapter.

END_STATUTE