CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

99

Introduced by Senator Ochoa Bogh

(Coauthors: Senators Alvarado-Gil, Blakespear, Choi, Dahle, Hurtado, Jones, Niello, Seyarto, Valladares, Wahab, and Weber Pierson)

February 20, 2025

An act to add Section 13009 to the Vehicle Code, relating to public safety.

Vote: majority   Appropriation: no   Fiscal committee: yes   Local program: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

Existing law establishes the Department of Motor Vehicles, tasked with issuance and renewal of licenses to drivers. Existing law requires the department to prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, certificates of ownership, registration cards, driver’s licenses, and all other forms that are deemed necessary.

This bill would, by January 1, 2027, require the department, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to develop a Blue Envelope Program. Under the program, the bill would require the blue envelope to contain specified information for requesters with a condition or disability, as specified. The bill would also authorize others, including a parent or legal guardian of a passenger with a disability, to request a blue envelope.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 13009 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

13009.

(a) By January 1, 2027, the Department of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall develop a Blue Envelope Program to promote inclusivity and enhanced communication between law enforcement and community members with a condition or disability where additional accommodations or awareness may be helpful. The blue envelope developed in the program shall contain the following:

(1) Printed information for the envelope’s holder regarding traffic stop safety tips.

(2) Printed recommendations to the responding law enforcement officer with interaction techniques to help promote enhanced communication and accommodation between law enforcement and community members.

(3) Blank area where the individual, or their emergency contact, may add additional noteworthy comments pertaining to the individual’s needs or requested accommodations.

(4) Blank area where the individual may write down the contact information of their emergency contact person.

(b) Upon request by a person who is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336), a person who has a condition and may need additional accommodations with law enforcement, or a parent or other family member, legal guardian, conservator, or driver of a passenger with a disability, the department shall provide the requester a blue envelope. The blue envelope shall be designed to hold a copy of the person’s operator license, vehicle registration, and insurance card.

(c) This section does not prevent a law enforcement agency from developing its own blue envelope or other products, including, but not limited to, lanyards, seatbelt covers, decals, stickers, wristbands, and keychains, so long as it follows the minimum requirements set forth in this section.

(d) Although law enforcement has a duty to extend reasonable accommodations or modifications in accordance with state and federal disability rights laws, this section does not require a peace officer to compromise their safety or the safety of others when encountering a person who has presented a blue envelope or associated products as described in subdivision (c).