BILL NUMBER: SB 1050	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Alquist

                        FEBRUARY 8, 2012

   An act relating to autism and autism spectrum disorders.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1050, as introduced, Alquist. Autism screening: pilot program.
   Existing law requires the State Department of Developmental
Services to develop evaluation and diagnostic procedures for the
diagnosis of autism disorder and other autistic spectrum disorders,
as specified. Existing law also requires the Superintendent of Public
Instruction to convene, with input from the University of
California, the California State University, the department, and
other appropriate entities, an advisory committee to develop
recommendations identifying the means by which public and nonpublic
schools, including charter schools, can better serve pupils with
autism spectrum disorders and their parents.
   This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact
legislation to establish a pilot program to promote the use of
technology and telehealth systems for the screening, diagnosis, and
evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders. The pilot
program would be established by an academic institution, in
collaboration with school districts and regional centers, and would
be funded through private-public partnerships, as specified.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to enact
legislation to establish a pilot program to promote the use of
technology and telehealth systems for the screening, diagnosis, and
evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The
pilot program would also focus on providing services, through the use
of technology and telehealth, to underserved populations.
   (b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the pilot program be
established by an academic institution, in collaboration with one or
more regional centers, one or more school districts, or a combination
of one or more regional centers and one or more school districts.
   (c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the pilot program be
funded through public-private partnerships with entities such as
foundations and high-tech companies.