Any person in operation of a vehicle is required to carry proof of vehicle registration for the vehicle in which it is issued to, and provide proof of, registration upon demand to local authorities or any law enforcement officer.

To operate a motor vehicle in the State of Washington, the person must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy with liability limits, covered by a certificate of deposit, or covered by a liability bond.  At the request of a law enforcement officer, proof of financial responsibility for the motor vehicle must be provided.  If proof of financial responsibility is not provided, the person is subject to a traffic infraction which may result in a penalty or community restitution.

It is unlawful for an operator of a moving vehicle who has been stopped for a traffic infraction to refuse the officer's request to provide a valid drivers' license, insurance identification card or proof of financial responsibility, and the vehicle's registration.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is required to work in consultation with relevant stakeholders to establish the Blue Envelope Program" (Program) for people who are neurodiverse to enhance communication during traffic stops between individuals and officers.  

The Program must contain the following printed information on the envelope:

• information for the both envelope's holder and responding law enforcement officer regarding traffic stop safety tips and recommendations for interacting with law enforcement officers; and
• information on what types of documents to include inside the envelope, such as but not limited to:  vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

The DOL must maintain accessible information and resources regarding the Program on an existing webpage or website and blue envelopes must be made available at no cost to vehicle owners at all driver licensing offices within the state.

(In support) The idea for this bill originated in Arizona.  This bill would make Washington potentially the fourth state to pass legislation regarding the program.  The envelope will be designed to inform a person what to do and what to expect when being pulled over.  For an individual with autism, seeing flashing red and blue lights or an officer shining a light in the vehicle could be concerning or disturbing for them.

When an individual is being pulled over, guidance on the envelope can assist with organization.  It will specify to the individual to keep their hands on the steering wheel, and inform the officer that they have a blue envelope.  It will inform the individual that the officer will ask for information then return to their vehicle, and that the individual must wait until the officer returns before leaving.

In the envelope it can contain vehicle registration, insurance, and emergency contact information.

This program is a simple tool to improve communication, can save lives, prevent misunderstandings, reduce stress, and improve public safety.

Individuals are not required to have a doctor's note, and the request for an envelope can be done online or in an office free of charge.

(Opposed) None.

Representative Carolyn Eslick, prime sponsor; Nora Borek, I live in Arizona and we have the Blue Envelope Program. My son has Autism; John Lemus, AtWork!—Advocacy Manager; Nicholas Borek; and Ryan Fox.