FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Bernardino, CA — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) have introduced the bipartisan Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act, landmark legislation designed to strengthen safety and communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with Autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)—including people with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and others with communication challenges.
The bill authorizes $5 million annually from FY 2027–2031 to support the development, implementation, and expansion of Blue Envelope Programs nationwide. Funding may be used for officer training, community outreach, materials, research, and the development of collaborative, community-informed programs with disability-serving organizations and local agencies.
A Collaboration Rooted in Community
This historic national effort builds directly on the innovative model pioneered in San Bernardino County, where Inland Regional Center (IRC), the Autism Society Inland Empire, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department partnered to create a trauma-informed, voluntary, non-registry program that empowers both community members and first responders. The San Bernardino Blue Envelope model was funded by the Department of Developmental Services through Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) funding. The model has since expanded across Southern California and is now shaping federal policy.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire Blue Envelope Coalition across San Bernardino and Riverside counties,” said Dr. CJ Cook, Program Administrator, Inland Regional Center. “Your leadership, dedication, and advocacy have made this moment possible. Together, we are building safer, more inclusive communities and strengthening trust nationwide.”
Blue Envelope Coalition Partners
The Blue Envelope Coalition includes the following partner agencies:
- Chino Police Department
- Ontario Police Department
- Fontana School Police Department
- Barstow Police Department
- Riverside Police Department
- Fontana Police Department
- Menifee Police Department
- Redlands Police Department
- San Bernardino County Fire Department
- San Bernardino County Sheriff Department
- San Bernardino County Office of the Fire Marshal
- Upland Police Department
- San Bernardino Police Department
- American Medical Response (AMR) / REACH Air
- Colton Police Department
- Rialto Police Department
- Ontario Fire Department
National Endorsements for the Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act
- Major County Sheriffs of America
- Fraternal Order of Police
- National Association of Police Organizations
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
- San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
- Pomona Police Department
- Chino Police Department
- Fontana Police Department
- Autism Society of America
- Autism Speaks
- Autism Society Inland Empire
- Inland Regional Center
- Easterseals and Easterseals Southern California
- The Arc of the United States
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- PD Avengers – Global Alliance to End Parkinson’s
- American Psychological Association Services
About the Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program is a voluntary, trauma-informed safety initiative designed to support effective communication between law enforcement and individuals with communication needs. The program includes officer training, family and caregiver education, and a suite of tools—including envelopes, decals, lanyards, bracelets, and seatbelt covers—to help individuals safely and confidently self-identify.
Contact Information
Inland Regional Center – Community Engagement
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 890-3000
Website: www.inlandrc.org
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