2007 Legislative Activities Related to Autism

$100,000 of the general fund—state appropriation for fiscal year 2008 is provided solely to continue the autism task force established by chapter 259, Laws of 2005, through June 30, 2008.  The task force shall:

(a)                Review and continue to refine criteria for regional autism centers throughout Washington state based on community needs in each area, and address the role of autism centers within the larger context of developmental disabilities;

(b)               Prioritize its December 2006 recommendations and develop an implementation plan for the highest priorities.  The plan should detail how systems will coordinate to improve service and avoid duplication between state agencies including the department of social and health services, department of health, office of superintendent of public instruction, as well as school districts, autism centers, and local partners and providers.  The plan shall also estimate the costs of the highest priority recommendations and report to the legislature and governor by December 1, 2007;

(c)                Compile information for and draft the “Washington Service Guidelines for Individuals with Autism – Birth Through Lifespan” book described in the task force’s recommendations.  Funding to print and distribute the book is expected to come from federal or private sources; and

(d)               Monitor the federal combating autism act and its funding availability and make recommendations on apply for grants to assist in implementation of the 2006 task force recommendations.  The department of health shall be the lead agency in providing staff for the task force.  The department may seek additional staff assistance from the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the committee staff of the legislature.  Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employer or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Bills in the 2007 Legislative Session relating to Autism Spectrum Disorder include:

Visit www.leg.wa.gov and search by bill number to see the full text of each bill.
 

Federal Combating Autism Act