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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the creation of an autism program to provide services to |
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children with autism spectrum disorder. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 117, Human Resources Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 117.075 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 117.075. AUTISM PROGRAM. (a) To the extent |
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appropriated money is available for the purpose, the department |
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shall provide services to children not younger than three or older |
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than eight years of age who are diagnosed with autism spectrum |
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disorder, to enhance communication, social, and independent living |
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skills so that the children may fully participate in society. |
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(b) The services must include applied behavioral analysis |
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and must complement and not duplicate services outlined in a |
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child's individualized education plan developed by an independent |
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school district. |
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SECTION 2. The executive commissioner of the Health and |
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Human Services Commission shall develop the autism program required |
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under Section 117.075, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act, |
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not later than January 1, 2010. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |