House 4053

WEST virginia legislature

2026 regular session

Introduced

House Bill 4053

By Delegates Hall, Crouse, Drennan, Fehrenbacher, Heckert, Holstein, Moore, Pinson, and Shamblin

[Introduced; referred

to the Committee on]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §30-29-5b, relating to establishing the "blue envelope" program; and providing for the distribution of envelopes to individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 29. LAW-ENFORCEMENT TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION.

§30-29-5b.  Blue envelope program.

(a) Purpose. - The Legislature hereby establishes the Blue Envelope Program to assist communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities during a motor vehicle-related interaction.

(b) Program development. –

(1) On or before January 1, 2027, the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles ("the division"), in coordination with the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association, shall design and make available a specially colored blue envelope that will hold a driver's essential documents, including, but not limited to, a driver's license, vehicle registration, and an emergency contact card.

(2) The envelope shall include communication guidance printed on its exterior to help law enforcement officers recognize and adapt their approach when interacting with a participating driver.

(3) Each participant shall also be provided with a window cling decal to display in their vehicle, indicating participation in the program.

(4) Upon request of an eligible individual, or the parent or guardian of a participating minor, the department shall provide the program package described in this section. The department shall make program information and instructions for obtaining materials available on its official website.

(c) Eligibility and distribution. –

(1) Beginning January 1, 2027, any individual with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities who holds a valid driver's license or permit may request a blue envelope program package.

(2) Requests may be made to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles office, county sheriff's offices, or municipality police stations.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to establish the blue envelope program.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.