A previous post discussed New York State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) and his Autism Action Plan.
Here is a recent bill by Mr. Santabarbara:
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
8635
2015-2016 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
December 23, 2015
___________
Introduced by M. of A. SANTABARBARA -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to establishing the
autism spectrum disorders plan
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-
bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new article
2 27-L to read as follows:
3 ARTICLE 27-L
4 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
5 Section 2799-v. Autism spectrum disorders program.
6 2799-w. Functions, powers and duties of the department.
7 2799-x. Autism spectrum disorders advisory board.
8 § 2799-v. Autism spectrum disorders program. The department shall have
9 the central responsibility for administering the provisions of this
10 article and otherwise coordinating the state's policies with respect to
11 autism spectrum disorders, in consultation with the office for people
12 with developmental disabilities, the office of mental health, the
13 department of education, the office of alcoholism and substance abuse
14 services, the department of family assistance, the office of the advo-
15 cate for persons with disabilities and the commission on quality of care
16 for the mentally disabled.
17 § 2799-w. Functions, powers and duties of the department. The depart-
18 ment shall have the following functions and duties:
19 1. to develop, implement, monitor, and annually update a statewide
20 autism spectrum disorders program which shall provide for comprehensive,
21 lifespan supports to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and
22 their families through access to information and resources, coordination
23 of services, and implementation of evidence-based practices;
24 2. to furnish the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and
25 the speaker of the assembly with the annually updated plan required
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13207-01-5
A. 8635 2
1 pursuant to subdivision one of this section no later than sixty days
2 after the close of each fiscal year;
3 3. to accept and expend any grants, awards of other funds or appropri-
4 ations as may be available for these purposes, subject to limitations as
5 to the approval of expenditures and audits as prescribed for state funds
6 by the state finance law; and
7 4. to the extent feasible, utilize existing organizations with demon-
8 strated interest and expertise in serving persons with autism spectrum
9 disorders and shall, within funds available, enter into contracts with
10 such organizations.
11 § 2799-x. Autism spectrum disorders advisory board. 1. There is hereby
12 established within the department the autism spectrum disorders advisory
13 board.
14 2. Such board will consist of nineteen members, ten of whom shall be
15 appointed and nine of whom shall serve ex officio. Of the ten appointed
16 members, two shall be appointed by the governor, two shall be appointed
17 by the temporary president of the senate, two shall be appointed by the
18 speaker of the assembly, two shall be appointed by the minority leader
19 of the senate and two shall be appointed by the minority leader of the
20 assembly. Of the two members appointed by each appointing authority, one
21 member shall have expertise of work as a professional in the field of
22 autism and one member shall be a family advocate or self-advocate in the
23 community that such advocate resides. A representative from each of the
24 following state agencies shall serve ex officio: the office for people
25 with developmental disabilities; the department of education; the office
26 of mental health; the office of children and family services; the
27 department; the commission on quality of care and advocacy for persons
28 with disabilities; the developmental planning council; the council on
29 children and family services; and the office of vocational and educa-
30 tional services for individuals with disabilities. The chair of the
31 board shall be selected by the governor.
32 3. Members of the board shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing
33 authority. Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as
34 the original appointment. Members of the board shall receive no compen-
35 sation, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses
36 incurred in the performance of their duties within amounts appropriated
37 therefor.
38 4. Such board shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be
39 called by the chair. The agenda and meeting place of all regular or
40 special meetings shall be made available to the public in advance of
41 such meetings.
42 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
