Vindman, Higgins, Sessions, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make Traffic Stops Safer for Individuals with Disabilities

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07), Clay Higgins (R-La.-03), Pete Sessions (R-Texas-17), and Barry Moore (R-Ala.-01) introduced a bipartisan bill to make traffic stops safer and less stressful for individuals with autism, developmental, or communication disabilities.

"Individuals with disabilities are great assets to our communities and need to be treated with dignity and respect. This bipartisan bill is one way Congress can make sure everyone feels safe and understood during a traffic stop," said Vindman. "For both individuals with disabilities and law enforcement officers, these encounters can be prone to misunderstanding. This legislation will better support law enforcement with a straightforward way to recognize when accommodations are needed and keep these interactions calm, safe, and respectful."

"America's law enforcement professionals make split-second decisions every day. Blue envelope programs can add context to these decisions and improve communication between drivers with disabilities and officers during traffic stops," said Higgins. "The Blue Envelope Act uses existing funds to implement these initiatives and deliver safer outcomes. It's appropriate that I co-lead this bipartisan effort with Congressman Vindman."

"Several cities across Texas are already using the Blue Envelope Program, and the Blue Envelope Act of 2025 builds on that proven local success. By co-leading this legislation, we are taking a commonsense approach that works in Texas communities and making it available nationwide," said Sessions. "This bill helps law enforcement conduct safer, more predictable traffic stops while ensuring individuals with autism and other communication disabilities are treated with patience, clarity, and respect. Using existing resources, we can reduce misunderstandings, lower stress, and better serve officers and the American people."

"The Blue Envelope Program is a common sense idea that gives officers immediate context during a traffic stop and gives drivers with autism or other communication disabilities the time and clarity they need," said Moore. "This program is voluntary, low-cost, and already working in Alabama and states across the nation. By allowing existing funds to support these programs, we're strengthening trust, reducing unnecessary tension, and making our roads safer for everyone."

The Blue Envelope Awareness Act would provide drivers with disabilities a blue envelope to store essential documents such as their driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The envelope would discreetly alert law enforcement officers that the driver may require additional time, clear verbal instructions, or other reasonable accommodations during a traffic stop.

The legislation would also allow states and local governments to use existing Byrne JAG funds to support these programs, giving officers immediate situational context during traffic stops, helping reduce misunderstandings and the risk of unnecessary escalation.

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