Bill > S06172

This bill creates the New York State Autism Council, a 16-member body established within the executive department to advance autism awareness, research, and support. The council will consist of representatives from various state departments (health, education, developmental disabilities, financial services, children and family services), a representative from New York Families for Autistic Children, members appointed by the senate and assembly leadership (including parents of children with autism), and six gubernatorial appointees representing different geographic regions and including a medical researcher specializing in autism. Council members will serve three-year terms without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they are required to meet at least four times per year. The council's key duties include approving autism awareness programs, providing education about services for families affected by autism, establishing mechanisms for sharing biomedical research, creating public information channels about autism programs, and submitting an annual report to the governor with recommendations for autism-related services. Additionally, the bill modifies state finance law to allow fund expenditures for autism program and service enhancements, awareness projects, and research, with specific guidelines for approval and allocation of funds.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6172