The New York Autism Law Report

About Me

Name: AutismLawReporter

Location: Washington, D.C., United States

I am a legal editor who has monitored and reported on state legislative, regulatory, administrative, and judicial developments for the past eight years. I thought it might be both interesting and helpful if I applied my skills to tracking and writing about significant state legal developments affecting autism. Why autism? It is a disorder that continues to grow in epidemic proportions, yet much is still unknown about its causes. Important questions also remain unanswered on basic issues such as insurance coverage and education. This blog is intended to aid autism advocates in seeking additional resources for increased research, training, and support. Why New York? I am starting with the Empire State as a pilot project. Depending on the response I get, I may expand my focus to include all 50 states. Why state law? Many of the governmental actions that directly affect those with autism occur at the state level. Insurance, education, and vocational training are just a few of the areas that are regulated at the state level. Unfortunately, state legal developments are not covered by most in the media industry.

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Autism Research Bill to be Introduced in January

Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-20) will reintroduce legislation in January that would create the New York Infantile Autism Biomedical Research Act," a spokeswoman in his office in Albany told the New York Autism Law Report Nov. 8.

The measure would establish the Center of Excellence for Autism, which would perform “basic and applied biomedical research, diagnosis, and treatment for autism.” The center would be overseen by a council appointed by the governor and would be funded by the Department of Health.

The same bill was introduced in 2004 as A.B. 9864-A and was passed by the Assembly, but died in the Senate Rules Committee.

The New York Legislature is not in session and is not expected to reconvene until Jan. 10. At that time, the state will begin a new two-year legislative session in which any measures that were not enacted in 2003 or 2004 must be reintroduced.

This year, Weisenberg sponsored legislation (S.B. 9542)--now law--that makes available special license plates that benefit the Autism Society of America. Weisenberg’s efforts were featured in a recent article in Spectrum Magazine, a new consumer publication that covers autism issues. Presently, Spectrum has no Web site, but you may call 516-933-4050 for a copy of the publication.

Friday, November 05, 2004

The Scope of This Blog

This blog aims to create a legal resource for those following developments in autism law in New York. Updates will include legislative, regulatory, administrative, and judicial actions affecting those with autism. Some of the main issues that will be monitored include:

special education,
insurance coverage,
vocational training
the Developmental Disabilities Training Counsel,
parent training,
professional certification, and
protection and advocacy.