S 2204 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder

This Massachusetts bill requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles to create and distribute special blue envelopes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. These envelopes are designed to hold a driver's license, registration, and insurance card while displaying clear instructions on the outside to help police officers communicate effectively with the driver. The guidance on the envelope explains how to interact safely and productively during traffic stops, aiming to reduce misunderstandings between law enforcement and neurodivergent drivers. Upon request, the Registry will provide these envelopes to eligible individuals or their parents and guardians, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2024.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jan 2024
Senate Passage
Jan 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jan 4, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
4
Committee
3
Jan 2, 2024
Upper · Passed
Order relative to subject matter adopted
upper
Jan 2, 2024
Upper · Passed
Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting a new draft, S2542
upper
Jul 20, 2023
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Transportation
upper
1 primary · 13 co-sponsors

Sponsors