REFERENCE TITLE: autism spectrum disorder task force

State of Arizona Senate Forty-ninth Legislature Second Regular Session 2010

SB 1181

Introduced by Senators Aguirre, Leff: Aboud, Allen C, Burton Cahill, Lopez; Representatives Goodale, Jones, Pancrazi

 

AN ACT

 

Establishing the autism spectrum disorder task force.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Autism spectrum disorder task force; membership; duties; reports; delayed repeal

A.  The autism spectrum disorder task force is established consisting of the following members:

1.  Two members of the senate who are appointed by the president of the senate and who represent different political parties.

2.  Two members of the house of representative who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and who represent different political parties.

3.  The director of the department of economic security or the director's designee.

4.  The director of the department of health services or the director's designee.

5.  The director of the Arizona health care cost containment system administration or the director's designee.

6.  The superintendant of public instruction or the superintendant's designee.

7.  One employee of a school district in this state who oversees special education services.  The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

8.  One representative of an organization in this state that advocates for persons with autism spectrum disorder.  The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

9.  One representative of an organization in this state that provides services to persons with autism spectrum disorder.  The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

10.  One parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder.  The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

11.  An adult who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.  The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

12.  A developmental pediatrician who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17, Arizona Revised Statutes, and who has expertise in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder.  The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

13.  A behavior analyst who has expertise in autism spectrum disorder.  The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

14.  A faculty member of a university under the jurisdiction of the board of regents.  The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint this member.

15.  A member of the business community.  The president of the senate shall appoint this member.

B.  The task force shall:

1.  Review the coordination of services provided by state agencies, schools and organizations relating to the treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorder, including resources available to the families and other caregivers of persons with autism spectrum disorder.

2.  Identify problems and recommend solutions regarding the availability of services to persons with autism spectrum disorder and their families and caregivers and the efficient delivery and coordination of those services.

3.  Identify current funding sources for services provided to persons with autism spectrum disorder and determine if there are additional available federal or other funding sources that are not being used.

4.  Identify and recommend opportunities for the sharing of resources of services to persons with autism spectrum disorder, including partnerships between the public and private sectors.

5.  Identify evidence-based treatments and best practices for autism spectrum disorder.

6.  Identify state models and service systems for persons with autism spectrum disorder.

7.  Submit to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives an interim report of its findings and recommendations on or before June 30, 2011 and a final report of its findings and recommendations on or before December 15, 2011.  The task force shall provide a copy of its interim and final reports to the secretary of state.

C.  Task force members are not eligible to receive compensation, but members appointed pursuant to subsection A, paragraphs 8, 9 and 10 are eligible for reimbursement of expenses under title 38, chapter 4, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes.

D.  This section is repealed from and after September 30, 2012.