The Florida Senate fully passed a bill 38-0 on Wednesday that would bolster early detection, intervention, and support for children with autism and their families.
Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) sponsored the bill (SB 112) in the Senate. Rep. Randy Maggard (R-Zephyrhills) filed a House version with several more committee stops.
"This bill is the next step. An amazing big step in where we go," Gayle Harrel said on the Senate floor.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD or Autism) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain that begins before the age of three years old. Some people with ASD have a known genetic condition while other causes are unknown.
ASD individuals may behave, communicate, interact, and learn differently from neurotypical
people. However, there are often no outward physical characteristics perceived.
The bill established several measures related to Autism. They include:
- Increases the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to cover screenings and referrals for Autism
- The University of Florida (UF) for Autism and Neurodevelopment will work with agencies to bolster autism services and oversee grants. Harrel said this would be the "key hub" for research and awareness, and bring together information to establish best practices.
- Establishes the Early Steps Extended Option. This allows children to remain in the program until the beginning of the school year following the child's fourth birthday.
- Startup grants for the development of charter schools for students with autism, as well as summer programs
- Provides an autism micro-credential for instructional and childcare personnel at zero cost to eligible participants.
SB 112 fiscally appropriates the recurring sum of $720,282 and the nonrecurring sum of $35,622 for the 2025-26 state fiscal year from the General Revenue Fund to the Florida Department of Health. The bill also authorizes six full-time positions.
If fully passed, SB 112/HB 591 would take effect upon becoming law.
