SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2323
As Passed Senate, March 6, 2026
Title: An act relating to establishing a blue envelope program.
Brief Description: Establishing a blue envelope program.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Eslick, Steele, Ramel, Reed and Hill).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/16/26, 92-1.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/27/26, 3/02/26 [DP].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 3/6/26, 47-0.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes the Blue Envelope Program to enhance communication between individuals who are neurodiverse and officers during traffic stops.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Liias, Chair; Krishnadasan, Vice Chair; Lovick, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Goehner, Assistant Ranking Member; Alvarado, Chapman, Christian, Cortes, Fortunato, Harris, Holy, Hunt, Lovelett, MacEwen, Shewmake, Valdez and Wilson, J..
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

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.

 

The mandatory insurance law requires most drivers to have motor vehicle liability insurance or another way to assume financial responsibility for damages.  The insurance policy must have minimum dollar coverage per accident of:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury or death of one person;
  • $50,000 of bodily injury or death of any two or more people; and
  • $10,000 of injury to or destruction of property of others.

 

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.
Summary of Bill:

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

 

The BEP 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, including, but not limited to, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

 

DOL must maintain accessible information and resources regarding the BEP 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 21, 2026.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  Other states have adopted a Blue Envelope Program with much success.  By providing the blue envelope, this will notify the officer immediately that the person in the car is autistic or has some other communication related disability or issue.  The envelope can be given to anyone with no prescription required.  It is interesting that the fiscal note shows a training cost of $73,000 because there is a five minute video to teach officers how the Blue Envelope Program works.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Carolyn Eslick, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.