Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6602
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6602Crime and Law Enforcement
Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act
INTRO DEC 10· LAST ACTION DEC 10
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it addresses a critical issue: the potential for dangerous misunderstandings when law enforcement officers interact with individuals who have communication disabilities. Currently, a lack of awareness and specialized training can lead to situations where a person's behavior, stemming from their disability, might be misinterpreted as non-compliance or a threat, escalating encounters unnecessarily.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide funding and a framework to reduce these communication barriers, potentially saving lives and improving community relations. It would ensure that officers have better tools to de-escalate situations and that individuals with disabilities have ways to signal their needs, making interactions safer and more respectful for everyone involved. Without this bill, such programs would remain reliant on scattered local initiatives or limited funding, hindering widespread implementation of best practices.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a grant program through the Attorney General to fund 'blue envelope programs' for improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals with certain disabilities.
This creates a dedicated federal funding stream to support specialized programs aimed at enhancing safety and communication.
PROVISION 02
Requires blue envelope programs to provide training for law enforcement on interacting with individuals with autism or other communication disabilities, and offer communication aids like special envelopes or car decals.
This ensures that funded programs address both law enforcement training needs and provide practical tools for individuals to communicate their needs.
PROVISION 03
Prioritizes grant applications from programs that demonstrate scalability, community support, involve multiple law enforcement agencies, and show expertise in person-centered and trauma-informed practices.
These criteria aim to fund effective, sustainable programs that are well-integrated into their communities and truly understand the needs of the individuals they serve.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that blue envelope programs do not have a registration component or participant list and that participation is voluntary for individuals.
This protects the privacy and autonomy of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation is entirely optional and not tracked by the government.
PROVISION 05
Authorizes $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund the grant program.
This sets aside specific funding for five years, indicating a commitment to the program's establishment and initial operation.
This bill matters because it addresses a critical issue: the potential for dangerous misunderstandings when law enforcement officers interact with individuals who have communication disabilities. Currently, a lack of awareness and specialized training can lead to situations where a person's behavior, stemming from their disability, might be misinterpreted as non-compliance or a threat, escalating encounters unnecessarily.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide funding and a framework to reduce these communication barriers, potentially saving lives and improving community relations. It would ensure that officers have better tools to de-escalate situations and that individuals with disabilities have ways to signal their needs, making interactions safer and more respectful for everyone involved. Without this bill, such programs would remain reliant on scattered local initiatives or limited funding, hindering widespread implementation of best practices.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a grant program through the Attorney General to fund 'blue envelope programs' for improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals with certain disabilities.
This creates a dedicated federal funding stream to support specialized programs aimed at enhancing safety and communication.
high
Requires blue envelope programs to provide training for law enforcement on interacting with individuals with autism or other communication disabilities, and offer communication aids like special envelopes or car decals.
This ensures that funded programs address both law enforcement training needs and provide practical tools for individuals to communicate their needs.
med
Prioritizes grant applications from programs that demonstrate scalability, community support, involve multiple law enforcement agencies, and show expertise in person-centered and trauma-informed practices.
These criteria aim to fund effective, sustainable programs that are well-integrated into their communities and truly understand the needs of the individuals they serve.
high
Mandates that blue envelope programs do not have a registration component or participant list and that participation is voluntary for individuals.
This protects the privacy and autonomy of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation is entirely optional and not tracked by the government.
med
Authorizes $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund the grant program.
This sets aside specific funding for five years, indicating a commitment to the program's establishment and initial operation.
The head of the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as the chief law enforcement officer and legal advisor to the government.
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
A component of the U.S. Department of Justice that provides leadership and assistance to local criminal justice programs to improve the justice system.
Eligible entity
An organization or group that meets the specific requirements outlined in the bill to receive a grant, such as a law enforcement agency partnered with a non-profit, or a non-profit partnered with law enforcement.
Blue envelope program
A local program that trains law enforcement on interacting with individuals with communication disabilities and provides special materials (like blue envelopes or decals) to help these individuals communicate during police encounters.
Authorization of Appropriations
A legislative act that permits money to be spent for a specific government program or purpose, but does not actually provide the money itself; a separate appropriations bill is needed to allocate the funds.
Person-centered practices
Approaches that focus on the individual's unique needs, preferences, and strengths, giving them control and choice in their support and services.
Approaches that recognize the impact of trauma on an individual's life and behavior, responding in ways that avoid re-traumatization and promote healing.
