ST. ALBANS, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey will visit the St. Albans Police Department on Thursday, July 23, to highlight West Virginia’s new Blue Envelope Program, an initiative intended to support safer communication between law enforcement officers and motorists with certain disabilities or communication needs.
The public press conference will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the St. Albans Police Department headquarters, located at 613 MacCorkle Ave. in St. Albans.
The program was established through House Bill 4053, sponsored by Delegate Walter Hall of District 58. Gov. Morrisey signed the legislation into law on March 25, 2026.
“The Blue Envelope Program helps prevent misunderstandings that could put lives at risk and supports safer interactions for both motorists and officers. By improving communication, we enhance safety and possibly save lives.”
Delegate Walter Hall, District 58
Hall, a St. Albans resident, said he worked for two years to advance the Blue Envelope Program in West Virginia. HB 4053 received unanimous approval from both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature.
Under the law, the West Virginia State Police will develop and implement a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or an intellectual or developmental disability.
“The Blue Envelope Program is an important initiative designed to reduce stress and improve communication during law enforcement encounters. It will benefit our officers as well as people with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Chief Philip Bass, St. Albans Police Department
The durable blue envelope will be designed to hold a driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance and other related documents. It will also provide law enforcement officers with information about the driver’s communication needs, recommended interaction techniques and requested accommodations.
During a traffic stop or following a traffic accident, the envelope can alert an officer that the driver may need additional time, clearer instructions or another form of assistance. The envelope serves as a communication tool and does not replace a driver’s license, vehicle registration or proof of insurance.
The law requires Blue Envelope Program materials to be made available by mail and through West Virginia State Police detachments and county motor vehicle offices. The West Virginia State Police must establish the program by Jan. 1, 2027.
The program also includes privacy protections. The West Virginia State Police may not collect or store identifying information about people who request an envelope.
Thursday’s press conference will bring together state and local leaders to discuss the program, its public-safety purpose and its potential to reduce misunderstandings during encounters between motorists and law enforcement.
Event Details
What: Blue Envelope Program press conference
When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Where: St. Albans Police Department, 613 MacCorkle Ave., St. Albans, WV 25177
Featuring: Gov. Patrick Morrisey, Delegate Walter Hall, and other local dignitaries.
Public access: Open to the public
Media Contacts
St. Albans Police Department
Chief Philip Bass
613 MacCorkle Ave.
St. Albans, WV 25177
304-727-2251
Delegate Walter Hall
West Virginia House of Delegates, District 58
[email protected]
