Please Vote Yes for HB2501. This is a nice dovetail program with the law enforcement training program that was enacted last year. As law enforcement officers are trained in how to interact with someone with autism or a developmental disability then having a visual like the Blue Envelope to signal that some accommodations for the interaction should be made. A driver with autism may have physical movements or verbal responses during a traffic stop that are beyond their control. Letting the officer know this in advance can keep misunderstandings to a minimum. the officer can still proceed with their investigation, but they will understand more about the interactions they are having with the individual. Please Vote yes for HB2501

Upon my experience in interacting with persons with disabilities over the past 26 years I have often found communication to be a barrier. This was true even during my 33 years as a law enforcement officer in Virginia. I feel this bill would allow for a better understanding and communication between law enforcement and those persons when such interaction is necessary. A better understanding by the law enforcement personnel will negate many negative situations with bad outcomes. Thank you.