Bill · S. 4089· Senate(119-S-4089)
Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act
- Introduced
- 3/12/2026
- Last activity
- 3/12/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Coons
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to eligible entities to establish or support blue envelope programs. These programs focus on improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism spectrum disorder or various developmental, cognitive, sensory, or communication disabilities. Eligible entities include law enforcement agencies partnering with specific nonprofits that assist these individuals and their families. The program provides training for officers, resources like blue envelopes for essential documents, and educational materials for community members. The Attorney General, through the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, will oversee the distribution of these funds.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+8
The bill provides resources, de-escalation training for officers, and communication tools specifically for individuals with autism and other disabilities.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+7
The bill funds training and resources to help individuals with developmental, cognitive, sensory, or communication disabilities interact more safely with law enforcement.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+4
The bill directs the Director to consider the needs of underserved populations, including Tribal communities, in the distribution of grants.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Law Enforcement Interactions: The bill provides training for law enforcement officers and first responders regarding crisis response and de-escalation tactics specifically for individuals with autism or other developmental and communication disabilities (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Communication Support during Encounters: Programs provide items such as blue envelopes to store identification and diagnosis information, as well as other materials like car decals and lanyards, to help overcome communication barriers during law enforcement interactions (Section 2(a)(2)(D)).
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Community and Individual Education: The bill allows for education and resources for community members on how to safely interact with individuals with disabilities, and for the individuals themselves on how to use the provided materials (Section 2(a)(2)(E)).
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Focus on Underserved Areas: In distributing grants, the Director is directed to consider the needs of underserved populations, including rural and Tribal communities (Section 2(d)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+8Good For Native Americans+4Good For Rural Residents+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 3/12/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri