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FloridaSB 4182026Senate

Law Enforcement Officer Interactions with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

AppropriationCriminal JusticeAppropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil JusticeFiscal PolicyHouse Calendar

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Florida officers must complete autism training

Effective July 1, 2026, Florida’s Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission must establish required autism training for law enforcement officers. Initial certification training must be in person; continued employment training must be online. Every required basic skills course must include it by July 1, 2028, including within other course components. Every certified officer must complete it by July 1, 2030, through recruit training or required continued training or education. It counts toward the required 40 hours of continued employment or appointment instruction. Topics include autism traits, lawful interviews that protect rights, and finding and safely returning people who run away and face danger. Officers must learn to respect autistic people’s independent choices, recognize abuse or coercion, and calm tense encounters. Training also covers distinguishing autism from uncooperative behavior, related law including the Baker Act, and how encounters affect autistic people. It must explain blue envelopes, blue cards, and the SAFE designation in motor vehicle records.

New communication tools for autistic people

The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and creates Florida’s blue envelope and blue card program. By January 1, 2027, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles must develop and make both available. Starting that day, people with autism spectrum disorder can request either or both from the department or a tax collector’s office. The envelope holds copies of a driver license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and emergency contact information. Its outside identifies the person as autistic and gives officers communication tips. The digital or wallet-sized card also identifies the person as autistic and gives communication tips; it can be shown during police interactions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 221 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 3/10/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 111 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/12/2026

Fiscal Policy Vote

Yes: 19 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/4/2026

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Vote

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/26/2026

Criminal Justice Vote

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-147

    6/17/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    6/16/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    6/12/2026

  4. Ordered engrossed, then enrolled

    3/11/2026Senate

  5. Passed as amended; YEAS 37 NAYS 0 -SJ 800

    3/11/2026Senate

  6. Concurred in 1 amendment(s) (376741) -SJ 800

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. In returning messages

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Passed as amended; YEAS 111, NAYS 0

    3/10/2026House

  9. Read 3rd time

    3/10/2026House

  10. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    3/10/2026House

  11. Amendment 376741 adopted

    3/10/2026House

  12. Read 2nd time

    3/10/2026House

  13. 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

    3/9/2026House

  14. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/10/2026)

    3/9/2026House

  15. Bill referred to House Calendar

    3/9/2026House

  16. In Messages

    2/19/2026House

  17. Immediately certified -SJ 356

    2/19/2026Senate

  18. Passed; YEAS 38 NAYS 0 -SJ 346

    2/19/2026Senate

  19. Read 3rd time -SJ 346

    2/19/2026Senate

  20. Read 2nd time -SJ 346

    2/19/2026Senate

  21. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 02/19/26

    2/17/2026Senate

  22. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    2/12/2026Senate

  23. Favorable by- Fiscal Policy; YEAS 19 NAYS 0

    2/12/2026Senate

  24. On Committee agenda-- Fiscal Policy, 02/12/26, 9:00 am, 110 Senate Building

    2/9/2026Senate

  25. Now in Fiscal Policy

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

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