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	Amend HB 1574 by adding the following appropriately numbered 
SECTION to read as follows and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS 
accordingly:
	SECTION ____.  (a)  The executive commissioner of the Health 
and Human Services Commission shall conduct a study to determine 
the costs and benefits to this state of initiating a pilot program 
to provide services to adult persons with autism and other related 
disabilities with similar support needs.
	(b)  The study will determine the costs and benefits of a 
pilot program based on a program designed to:
		(1)  encourage sustainable employment and community 
integration through specialized supports coordination, case 
management, vocational assessment, training, and support to 
increase job skills and competitive employment opportunities;
		(2)  develop meaningful community-based activities for 
persons for whom competitive employment is not a goal;
		(3)  promote continued individual development and 
avoid regression;         
		(4)  promote self-determination and independence;                             
		(5)  coordinate services and behavioral supports 
across all areas of need; and
		(6)  allow for flexible funding and for a flexible 
array of services to meet individual needs.
	(c)  In conducting the study, the executive commissioner of 
the Health and Human Services Commission shall:
		(1)  define and describe a pilot program with a 
seamless system of supports to provide:
			(A)  options for independent living, if 
appropriate;                       
			(B)  community-based housing, if needed; and                                 
			(C)  individualized supports, including:                                     
				(i)  prevocational training;                                                
				(ii)  employment training; and                                              
				(iii)  leisure and recreational activities;                                 
		(2)  research and analyze best practices and programs 
from other states that may serve as pilot program models;
		(3)  consult with and solicit feedback from key 
stakeholders, including advocacy organizations, potential service 
recipients, and parents;
		(4)  address the barriers that may prevent adults with 
autism or other related disabilities with similar support needs 
from living in their local community including:
			(A)  housing needs and living arrangements;                                  
			(B)  behavioral services;                                                    
			(C)  social and communication services and 
supports;                       
			(D)  transportation issues; and                                              
			(E)  health and medical care;                                                
		(5)  identify the existence and cause of service gaps 
in this state;        
		(6)  develop recommendations and determine costs 
associated with eliminating service gaps;
		(7)  identify the potential benefit to persons who 
would receive services from the pilot program; and
		(8)  identify potential federal sources of funding for 
a pilot program.     
	(d)  Not later than September 1, 2010, the executive 
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall 
submit a report of the findings and conclusions of the study to the 
governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of 
representatives, and the presiding officers of the standing 
committees of the senate and house of representatives with primary 
jurisdiction over the provision of services to persons with 
disabilities.
	(e)  The report required under Subsection (d) of this section 
must include:  
		(1)  a recommendation for the structure of a pilot 
program;                 
		(2)  a recommendation on the choice of an appropriate 
agency to design and administer a pilot program;
		(3)  an estimation of the number of persons who may 
benefit from a pilot program if a program similar to the pilot 
program were instituted statewide;
		(4)  an estimation of the potential costs of the pilot 
program and whether the pilot program may lead to savings;
		(5)  a method of determining which persons would be 
eligible to participate in the pilot program; and
		(6)  which Medicaid waiver programs are appropriate to 
the pilot program and whether new Medicaid waiver programs may be 
required.