HB 140-FN - VERSION ADOPTED BY BOTH BODIES
6Feb2025... 0129h
2025 SESSION
25-0286
11/06
HOUSE BILL 140-FN
SPONSORS: Rep. Newell, Ches. 4; Rep. Jacobs, Ches. 15; Rep. A. Murray, Hills. 20; Rep. Roy, Rock. 31; Rep. Selig, Straf. 10; Rep. H. Howard, Straf. 4; Rep. Tenczar, Hills. 1; Rep. Wheeler, Hills. 33; Rep. Harriott-Gathright, Hills. 10; Rep. Parshall, Ches. 8; Sen. Fenton, Dist 10; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Watters, Dist 4
COMMITTEE: Transportation
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a program, named the blue envelope program, where a motor vehicle driver with an autism spectrum disorder or trauma and stressor-related disorder may carry and present to law enforcement a blue envelope containing written information and guidance on effective communication with the driver.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
6Feb2025... 0129h 25-0286
11/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; Blue Envelope Program for Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Amend RSA 265 by inserting after section 3-b the following new section:
265:3-c Blue Envelope Program for Drivers with Autism Spectrum and Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders.
I. There is hereby established the Blue Envelope Program to enhance and facilitate communication between members of law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum and trauma and stressor-related disorders.
II. The division of motor vehicles, in consultation with the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum and trauma and stressor-related disorders, shall design and make available at no cost blue envelopes that:
(a) Provide written information and guidance on the outside of the envelopes regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with an autism spectrum or trauma and stressor-related disorder;
(b) Provide a designated space for written emergency contact information; and
(c) Are capable of holding a person's driver's license, vehicle registration, and any relevant information from a health care provider, should the driver, or, if the driver is a minor, the parent or guardian, choose to include it.
III. Upon request by a person with an autism spectrum or trauma and stressor-related disorder, or if such person is a minor, the person's parent or guardian, accompanied by proof of such disorder, the division shall provide a blue envelope designed pursuant to this section to such person, parent or guardian.
IV. The guidance on the outside of the blue envelope shall include an instruction to attach the envelope to the driver's visor on the side facing the driver in the down position for easy and safe access.
V. The commissioner of safety may adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, relative to:
(a) Content and format of the blue envelopes necessary under paragraph II of this section.
(b) Acceptable forms of proof of an autism spectrum or trauma and stressor-related disorders to obtain a blue envelope and the handling of confidential medical information.
(c) Requirements for blue envelope attachment to the visor.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
25-0286
2/20/25
HB 140-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE (AMENDMENT #2025-0129h)
AN ACT establishing a voluntary "blue envelope" program for drivers with autism spectrum disorders and trauma and stressor-related disorders.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Legislative Budget Assistant has determined that this legislation has a total fiscal impact of less than $10,000 in each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Safety