SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A bill recently introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives would establish a new program to help motorists on the autism spectrum.
HB4472, introduced on Tuesday by Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), would establish the Blue Envelope Program under the supervision of the Secretary of State’s Office. Named after the envelopes people on the spectrum may use to hold documents required for operating a motor vehicle, the bill would amend the Secretary of State Act.
“The office of the Secretary of State shall design and make publicly available blue envelopes that may be used by individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,” the bill reads. “An individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may voluntarily participate in the program. Any information provided on the outside of the envelope shall be used solely to support safe and effective communication during interactions with first responders and law enforcement officers and shall not be entered into any federal, state or local database.”
Information on the envelope would include written information that identifies the holder as having been diagnosed, written guidance to assist law enforcement officers in effectively communicating with individuals they encounter and emergency contact information.
Documents inside the envelopes would include a driver’s license, insurance card and other documents needed to drive.
“The Office of the Secretary of State shall make the envelopes available at Driver’s Services facilities and the Illinois State Library,” the bill says. “Upon request, the Secretary shall distribute the developed envelopes to state and local law enforcement agencies, fire departments and libraries.”