Transcript Highlights:

• What can we do to make sure that children with autism... ...make sure that children with autism who may
• Weatherby's work around autism navigation and identifying autism as early as possible.
• Work around autism navigation and identifying autism as early as possible.
• The media talks about autism now, so people know about it and therefore more people have autism diagnosed
• Now, we have changed the way we diagnose autism, so we have to consider why we diagnose autism.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process. The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data. The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:11.360> in contributions of people with autism in contributions of people with autism
• committed to supporting the autism committed to supporting the autism community<00:07:37.440>
• early and equitable access to autism early and equitable access to autism identification,<00:07:
• Now appreciation of those with autism.
• Minnesota that it recognizes Autism Acceptance Month and its contributions of people with autism

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Autism knows no socioethnic or economic barriers.
• Autism is not always visible.
• You know, autism affects how we respond to stress and sensory input.
• Please, on behalf of the Autism Community.
• autism awareness training that is crucial for our community.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a game changer for families with children with autism.
• And as you may know, we have ...in educating our children with autism.
• Back, you know, just back in 2002, one in 150 children were diagnosed with autism.
• for autism awareness and bringing together all the research and best practices.
• Specifically for children with autism, it's very hard to place a child with autism in a regular summer

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met to consider CS for SB 1121, a bill on children with developmental disabilities, especially autism. Senator Harrell said the bill would expand early screening and referrals, extend Early Steps services, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish an autism microcredential for instructional personnel. Supporters, including Florida Goodwill Association, Florida DD Council, Florida for Florida’s Future, and Autism Speaks, said the measure would improve workforce training, early intervention, and educational outcomes for children with autism. The committee adopted two amendments. One expanded the Early Steps extended option so services continue until a child enters school, rather than ending at age four. The second addressed fiscal impacts, with discussion indicating no immediate cost this year but projected impacts of about $8.5 million in 2026-27 and about $15 million in 2027-28 as the program fully ramps up. Members also asked about Medicaid coverage, provider shortages, training, and whether private schools could receive charter-school grants; Senator Harrell said Medicaid-covered children would remain covered, the microcredential would be online and free, no provider reimbursement increases were built into the bill, and private schools would not be eligible for the charter-school grants. After debate, including supportive remarks from President Passidomo emphasizing early detection and research into autism causes, the committee voted to report CS for SB 1121 favorably. The motion passed by roll call, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force. Good morning.
• The importance of autism and what we need to do as a state to assist.
• I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
• I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
• I mean, legally, an adult GI doctor can diagnose autism.

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly. Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism. The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will move the existing requirements for qualified autism service providers, qualified autism
• Under current statute, behavior analysts, qualified autism service paraprofessionals, and qualified autism
• autism community.
• So those of you who know me know that I've been a longtime autism advocate.
• She was diagnosed as severely developmentally delayed, nonverbal, and on the autism spectrum.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several measures, including SB 402 by Senator Valadares, which would move existing qualification requirements for qualified autism service providers and related professionals from the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code into the Business and Professions Code without changing the standards. Supporters said it was a technical cleanup that would improve consistency and legislative oversight, while an opponent argued the bill was unnecessary and could create access issues; another witness urged inclusion of the QABA credentialing board. The committee approved SB 402 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health. The committee also heard SB 378 by Senator Wiener, aimed at online platforms that facilitate sales of illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp products. Supporters, including labor, local government, and cannabis industry representatives, said the bill would help protect consumers, minors, legal businesses, and tax revenue by creating accountability for online marketplaces. Opponents from the hemp industry and TechNet argued the bill was overly broad, could sweep in legitimate platforms and payment services, and should better distinguish bad actors from compliant hemp businesses; members discussed implementation, enforcement through a private right of action, and coordination with AB 8. The committee passed SB 378 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Senator Arreguín presented SB 779, which would establish minimum enforcement fines for Contractors State License Board citations where minimums are currently very low or absent, and would raise the board’s reserve cap from six months to 12 months. The sponsor said the changes would better match penalties to violations and help support consumer protection and board operations during economic downturns. There was no opposition, and the committee approved SB 779 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 344 and AB 652, both sent to Appropriations. SB 508 was not heard because it had been pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force. Good morning.
• I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
• I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
• I mean, legally, an adult GI doctor can diagnose autism.
• In addition to two providers, you have to have an autism-specific measure.

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and discussed several vacant membership slots, including positions tied to the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian appointments. Members said they would try to fill the vacancies and, if not, include the issue in the legislative report and consider statutory changes in the next General Assembly. The task force then heard from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association and Civitan Services about DDPA’s role in supporting 80 provider organizations serving more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 75 counties. They described services such as early intervention day programs, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services, and said autism falls within the populations they serve. They also shared survey information on services used by older adults with IDD and offered contact information for providers. Members also heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to add licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while noting that Arkansas Medicaid already pays for some of these evaluations. Task force members and Dr. Scott discussed the roles of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and the possibility of using training or board oversight to ensure evaluators are properly qualified, with some noting that speech pathologists’ inclusion has historical and clinical roots. The task force also said it still needs a future discussion on fraud, plans to invite the Attorney General’s office, and wants to identify priorities for the 2027 session before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs, the Centers for Autism and related disabilities.
• That is a specialized school for children with autism.
• , navigation and identifying autism as early as possible.
• is are those people with severe and profound forms of autism.
• We diagnose autism have to consider that.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will move the existing requirements for qualified autism service providers, qualified autism
• In current statute, behavior analysts qualify autism service paraprofessionals and qualified autism service
• The autism insurance mandate was passed in 2011.
• providers and the broader autism community.
• I was a former executive director of Autism Speaks.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the policy director for the Autism Society of Minnesota.
• protections for children with autism protections for children with autism living<00:14:38.399>
• I am a Somali autism mom and I am a trying-to-retire advocate.
• My middle son is diagnosed with autism, so I know what autism feels like.
• so I know fan what diagnosed with autism so I know fan what autism<00:20:25.360> feels<00:20:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Annette Lasorda with the Autism Foundation of Florida. >> Good afternoon.
• When a person with autism has anxiety and is overwhelmed, they might not be like you and I.
• I have autism, which gives me many strengths and skills that make me proud of who I am.
• Susan Goldstein, mother and advocate, Autism Society is a proponent in support.
• This has been a conversation in the autism world for a while, so thank you, everybody.

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum present and heard several bills, with HB 1483 temporarily postponed. The most contentious measure was HB 945, which would create a state counterintelligence/counterterrorism team within FDLE. The sponsor said it was aimed at terrorists, nation-state actors, and other criminal threats, not political speech, and noted an amendment would address First Amendment concerns later. Opponents from the First Amendment Foundation, ACLU Florida, and other groups argued the bill was too vague, lacked guardrails, and could enable surveillance of protected speech or political activity. Members also raised questions about fiscal impact, oversight, warrants, and the bill’s July start date. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 945 favorably by roll call vote. The committee then unanimously passed HB 6507, a claims bill appropriating funds to compensate for damages caused by departmental negligence. HB 813, which clarifies Florida’s firefighter cancer law and death-benefit provisions, also passed after an amendment narrowed the bill and added language allowing a firefighter’s family to receive the death benefit if the firefighter separates from employment and dies within one year. Firefighter representatives supported the bill as a compassionate fix, while one local firefighter representative opposed the amendment, saying it would remove protections and create an arbitrary cutoff. Sponsors responded that DROP would not be affected and that the change was intended to help terminally ill firefighters spend their final days at home without losing survivor benefits. Finally, HB 365, dealing with law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism, passed favorably. Supporters, including family members and autism advocates, said in-person training and positive interactions are crucial to preventing escalations and tragedies during police encounters. They described real-life incidents where lack of training led to harmful outcomes and urged adoption of the bill’s training provisions. Members from both parties voiced support, calling the measure overdue and important for both public safety and the autism community. The chair closed the meeting by noting it was likely the committee’s last budget meeting and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• properly treat somebody living with autism and IDD?
• People with Autism Spectrum Disorder...
• I've lived through both autism and cancer.
• Corey is on the autism spectrum, Corey is on the autism spectrum, and as he approached the age of 18,
• Council on Severe Autism, Massachusetts Grassroots Chapter.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing focused largely on DDS-related bills, with chairs Kennedy and Livingstone outlining strict time limits, accessibility procedures, and a 5 p.m. stop to preserve ASL and CART services. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a bill from Sen. Mike Moore to create a centralized electronic education records system for students in out-of-home placements, which supporters said would improve communication, preserve IEP continuity, and reduce missed services. Paul DePaulo also testified in support, describing the educational and justice-system harms that can follow when foster youth do not receive coordinated records and supports. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 242/S. 149, a bill to enhance standards of care for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rep. Garballey and many advocates, parents, clinicians, and disability leaders supported the bill, saying it would require provider training, statewide standards, and better emergency department practices to reduce misdiagnosis, trauma, and unnecessary ER boarding. Testimony described sensory and communication barriers in medical settings, lack of provider training, and the need for continuing education and license-related requirements. Related testimony also supported H. 213/S. 111, which would improve access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies by requiring better discharge planning, coordination with hospitals and agencies, and more appropriate post-hospital placements. The committee also heard strong support for H. 256/S. 102, requiring universal changing stations in public buildings, from parents, advocates, and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said current restroom accommodations often force unsafe or undignified changes on floors, in cars, or in inaccessible spaces, and argued the cost of adding changing stations to new or renovated buildings would be modest compared with the benefits to dignity, safety, and community access. Another major topic was H. 261/S. 155 on supported decision-making agreements for certain adults, which supporters described as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that preserves autonomy while providing trusted support. Finally, testimony on Tommy’s bill (S. 168/H. 282) described a preventable death after a hospital discharge and urged clearer communication and training requirements for residential staff handling life-sustaining equipment; the bill was presented as a safeguard for people with disabilities relying on such equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:54.320> and New Hampshire Council on Autism and New Hampshire Council on Autism and
• able to communicate that because autism able to communicate that because autism is<00:39:57.440>
• This is for anybody who has autism.
• Autism Council. Um, this April, as I'm sure you're all aware, is Autism Acceptance Month.
• Autism Acceptance Month.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS IS A GAME CHANGER FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH AUTISM.
• DESIGNATES THE CENTER FOR AUTISM AND NEURODEVELOPMENT IS A STATEWIDE HUB FOR AUTISM AWARENESS AND BRINGING
• SPECIFICALLY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM.
• IT'S HARD TO PLACE A CHILD WITH AUTISM IN A REGULAR SUMMER CAMP.
• MY LOCAL HOPE SCHOOL FOR AUTISM HAS A WAITLIST OF 150 CHILDREN.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force. A motion was made and seconded.
• I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
• I mean, legally, an adult GI doctor can diagnose autism.
• I, of course, GI doctor can diagnose autism.
• In addition to two providers, you have to have an autism-specific measure.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we start, I'd like to take a moment to recognize that today is the first day of Autism Awareness
• To talk about the two programs for our students with autism and other disabilities.
• In terms of students, since 2012, 70 students have been supported by autism support program.
• So they could decide that they don't need this intensive autism-specific supports.
• But anything, I think this is the group that could help and get autism identified past 21.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on three Arkansas programs serving students and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. University of Arkansas representatives described the Empower Program, a non-degree, four-year inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program, which provides intensive academic, peer, and career coaching for degree-seeking students with autism. They explained the programs’ person-centered planning, residential and employment supports, fee structure of $5,000 per semester for each program, and scholarship/fundraising efforts to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, mentoring, individualized plans, and how students move in and out of support services, and the presenters emphasized independence, integrated campus life, and transition planning. Pulaski Technical College staff then presented the 3D program, a three-year transition program in culinary, baking, and hospitality for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They outlined integrated classes, internships, job placement outcomes, and data showing strong completion and employment retention rates. Questions focused on how success is measured, tuition and financial aid, and the challenge of securing community partners for practicum and employment sites. The presenters said the program uses rubrics that include technical and professional skills, charges $5,700 per semester, and is pursuing accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. The final presentation was from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, and community initiatives. Leaders described their vision for a future mixed-use “live-work-play” development at Cato Springs, current residential and vocational services, and community events such as a 5K and a neurodiversity health care conference. Family members testified about the need for adult services, trained direct support professionals, and better reimbursement and behavioral health supports after age 21. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes, and members also announced upcoming autism-related events and requested future discussion on task force appointments and ABA-related issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• ENVIRONMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM.
• Miss Elizabeth DeAngelis from the Autism Collier Charter School, wishing to appear.
• I am Olivia, and I am an autistic adult and coordinator at Autism Collier School.
• I worked alongside students on the autism spectrum every single day.
• Autism is not one size fits all.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two PCS bills. PCS for HB 1059, by Rep. Booth, would designate the first week of November as Florida Speech and Debate Week to recognize speech and debate programs and the educators, coaches, judges, and school districts that support them. Supporters, including students and advocates, testified that speech and debate builds critical thinking, civics knowledge, confidence, and respectful civil discourse, and several members praised the students’ testimony and the program’s value. The bill was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote. The committee then heard PCS for HB 851, by Rep. Long, which requires each school district’s professional learning system to include at least one annual autism-specific training opportunity for teachers and school-based administrators, developed with the Center for Autism and grounded in evidence-based practices. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give educators practical tools to support students with autism, while members asked questions about scope, virtual training, charter schools, and the relationship to existing law. Public testimony and member debate largely supported the bill, with speakers emphasizing the need for better educator preparation and inclusion for students with autism. The bill also passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, members and the chair offered brief closing remarks thanking colleagues and staff and reflecting on the committee’s work, with the chair noting it may have been the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we start, I'd like to take a moment to recognize that today is the first day of Autism Awareness
• We have a presentation from the University of Arkansas program supporting students with autism and other
• To talk about the two programs for our students with autism and other disabilities.
• So they could decide that they don't need this intensive autism-specific supports.
• But anything, I think this is the group that could help and get autism identified past 21.

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:03.119> spectrum can adequately address autism spectrum can adequately address autism
• /c><00:52:04.720> meetings attending the autism council meetings attending the autism council
• restart the New Hampshire Autism restart the New Hampshire Autism Council.<00:53:26.240> Part
• a son who has autism spectrum disorders. a son who has autism spectrum disorders.
• leaving experiences autism uh for whom leaving experiences autism uh for whom leaving the<01:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of autism services and EIDBI program. of autism services and EIDBI program.
• with autism spectrum disorder. with autism spectrum disorder. Next<00:10:50.560> slide.
• <00:42:23.400> spectrum something on the autism spectrum something on the autism spectrum
• <00:55:48.200> Um, to kids with autism? Um, to kids with autism?
• autism services.

Bills: HF3542

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, 1183, house