Bill > SJR146

This Joint Resolution establishes the "Autism and Mental Disorders Study Commission," a seven-member body composed of designees from the Commissioners of Health and Human Services, along with appointees from the Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Assembly Speaker, Assembly Minority Leader, and the Governor. The commission's primary duty is to investigate how various organizations, including law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and hospitals, train their employees to effectively identify and interact with individuals who have autism, Down syndrome (a chromosomal disorder involving an extra copy of chromosome 21), and other mental disorders. Autism is defined broadly to encompass conditions classified under pervasive developmental disorders in diagnostic manuals like the DSM and ICD. The commission, which will operate without compensation for its members but with access to state resources, is required to submit a report of its findings and conclusions to the Governor and the Legislature within one year of its organization and will dissolve 30 days after submitting its final report.