Republican Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, discussed possible bills he may sponsor in the 2025 session of the Arkansas Legislature on Monday.
Speaking at a legislative hearing, Pilkington proposed a plan to create a “blue envelope” program to serve autistic Arkansans. Participants would receive a blue envelope alerting law enforcement to their autism diagnosis. The envelope would also hold their drivers’ license, registration, and other documents required in the event of a traffic stop.
Pilkington said the idea was suggested to him by a parent.
“A mother in Arkansas who had an autistic child who reached out to me about the blue envelope program,” she said. “So police officers when they engage in traffic stops understand the driver has a special need.
Both Arizona and Massachusetts have “blue envelope” programs of their own. At the hearing, two people with autism testified about tense interactions they’ve had with Arkansas police. Logan Collins says he was tased twice during a traffic stop. He said he hopes a bill like this could be passed.
Other proposed bill would require Medicaid to cover Arkansans for a full year after they have given birth. Current state law only covers the first 30 days after birth.
Pilkington has unsuccessfully tried to expand Medicaid in previous sessions. Other laws he proposed would allow Medicaid reimbursements for ultrasound tests, as well as increased food safety regulations.
Interim study proposals will be conducted to examine how the law could be enacted.
