HB407 (2011) Detail

Establishing a committee to study the rising incidence of autism.


HB 407 – AS INTRODUCED

2011 SESSION

11-0651

01/03

HOUSE BILL 407

AN ACT establishing a committee to study the rising incidence of autism.

SPONSORS: Rep. S. Keans, Straf 1; Rep. Schlachman, Rock 13

COMMITTEE: Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

ANALYSIS

This bill establishes a committee to study the rising incidence of autism.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

11-0651

01/03

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eleven

AN ACT establishing a committee to study the rising incidence of autism.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Statement of Intent. The general court recognizes that the incidence of autism has risen in recent years from one in 160 individuals to one in 110 such individuals. The general court further recognizes that the impact of autism on families and society could be catastrophic without early identification and intervention. Therefore, the general court hereby establishes a committee to study the rising incidence of autism and the supportive services that may be necessary to treat individuals with autism.

2 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the rising incidence of autism.

3 Membership and Compensation.

I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:

(a) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

(b) Two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.

II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.

4 Duties. The committee shall study the rising incidence of autism, including but not limited to:

(a) The whole spectrum for accompanying medical conditions which could include dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, and sensory integration dysfunction.

(b) Supportive services which may prove to have a mitigating influence on autism, such as aquaholics and hippotherapy and how to increase the availability of such treatments.

(c) The financial effects of autism on families and society.

(d) Whether there will be enough trained health care providers to care for the rising numbers of individuals with autism.

5 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

6 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2011.

7 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.