Bill > A03402

This bill establishes the New York State Autism Council, a sixteen-member body within the executive department designed to improve support and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. The council will include representatives from various state departments (such as health, education, and financial services), advocacy groups like New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC), and members appointed by the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker. These appointees will include parents of children with autism, regional representatives, medical professionals, and academic experts. Council members will serve three-year terms without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses, and the council must meet at least four times per year. The council's key responsibilities include approving autism awareness programs, providing education about service enhancements for families, facilitating biomedical research collaboration, creating mechanisms for public information sharing about autism-related programs, and submitting an annual report to the governor with recommendations for autism-related services. Additionally, the bill amends state finance law to ensure that funds can be used for program and service enhancements, autism awareness projects, and research specifically recommended by the new council and approved by the office for people with developmental disabilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3402