S. 4089: Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act

The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act aims to create and fund programs that improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other communication disabilities. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Grant Program

The bill authorizes the Attorney General to provide grants to eligible entities to establish or support "blue envelope programs." These programs are intended to help law enforcement better understand and respond to situations involving individuals with specific communication needs.

Definitions of Eligible Entities

An "eligible entity" for these grants is defined as either:

• A law enforcement agency or a group of law enforcement agencies partnering with a nonprofit organization.
• A nonprofit organization that offers services to individuals with autism, developmental, cognitive, sensory, or communication disabilities, and partners with at least one law enforcement agency.

Blue Envelope Program Details

The bill defines a "blue envelope program" as one that provides:

• Training for law enforcement officers (and potentially first responders) in crisis response and de-escalation tactics, specifically tailored to interactions with individuals with communication disabilities.
• Voluntary participation for individuals, with no registration or tracking of participants.
• Blue envelopes for storing essential documents, such as identification and emergency contact information, which can facilitate communication during encounters with law enforcement.
• Education and resources for community members on safely interacting with individuals with communication disabilities.

Grant Prioritization Criteria

When awarding grants, the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance will prioritize programs that:

• Have a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period.
• Receive support from the community.
• Involve multiple law enforcement agencies.
• Engage with individuals who have disabilities and demonstrate effective training practices.

Grant Distribution and Reporting

The bill emphasizes broad geographic distribution of grants and attention to underserved areas, including rural and Tribal communities. The Director is required to submit a report to Congress annually for the first year and biennially thereafter, detailing the implementation and effectiveness of the funded programs.

Online Directory

The Director must also maintain a publicly accessible online directory of blue envelope programs to help individuals find local resources easily.

Funding

The legislation authorizes $5 million per fiscal year, from 2027 to 2031, for implementation and operation of these programs.

Relevant Companies

None found