Summary

Authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants for “blue envelope” programs that provide voluntary, non‑registrant communication aids and training to help people with autism or related developmental, cognitive, sensory, or communication disabilities interact more safely and effectively with law enforcement and first responders. Grants must prioritize scalable, community-backed models, include input from self‑advocates, avoid registries or mandatory lists, require voluntary participation, and direct the Bureau of Justice Assistance to keep a public directory and report to Congress. The bill authorizes $5 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2031.

• Creates a DOJ grant program to fund voluntary "blue envelope" communication aids and training for people with autism or similar disabilities.
• Grants must prioritize scalable models, multiagency involvement, community support, and input from self‑advocates.
• Participation is voluntary and the law forbids registries or lists of participants.
• BJA must seek broad geographic distribution, including rural and tribal communities, and keep a public online directory of programs.
• Requires a congressional report one year after enactment and then every two years on implementation and best practices.
• Authorizes $5 million per year for FY2027–2031 (total $25 million authorized).
• Eligible entities include state and local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and educational institutions (as defined in the Act).
• Focuses on reducing communication barriers between people with disabilities and law enforcement/first responders.
• Does not create new mandates for states; it provides federal grant authority and program requirements.
• Emphasizes trauma‑informed, person‑centered practices and the involvement of self‑advocates in program design.